Member Article

Search begins for promising North East entrepreneurs

The hunt is on for the North East’s most promising new entrepreneur, as part of the If We Can, You Can Challenge 2012.

The award, run by the North East Entrepreneurs’ Forum, will be open for entries on February 6 and promises three winners an exciting prize.

Those being crowned top entrepreneurs will receive a unique package of support to help them build their business.

It is open to anyone who is thinking of starting their own business, already in the early stages of doing so, or those expanding an existing enterprise.

The scheme aims to expose entrepreneurs to professional expertise and a host of inspiration business leaders.

Nigel Mills, chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “In the years that we have run the If We Can, You Can Challenge, its aims of identifying and fostering talent have never been more relevant.

“The growth of the private sector is critical to the region’s economic future and the Challenge helps to meet that need by supporting new entrepreneurs and presenting the winner with a money-can’t-buy package of mentoring and practical help to develop their business.”

The challenge is supported by Eversheds, PwC and Yorkshire Bank, and potential candidates are being encouraged to enter early.

Nigel added: “We believe the region is full of untapped potential and that all people need is the motivation to push themselves forward, safe in the knowledge that there are like-minded entrepreneurs on hand to help and a business community ready to welcome them.

“The If We Can, You Can Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to encourage people to take that vital next step whatever stage on the road you’ve reached, whether you’re a thinker, a starter, a grower, no-one should be put off from entering.”

Entries need to be submitted online, here, and the closing date is Wednesday March 21. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to pitch their business ideas to a panel on March 29.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .