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Win a Shop competition for Knowsley entrepreneurs returns

Following a successful launch in 2013, Knowsley-based investment charity, One Ark, part of the First Ark Group, is urging people in the borough with a viable business idea to enter its second Win a Shop competition.

The prize is a fully refurbished shop from which the winning entrepreneur can operate rent-free for a year.

The successful business will also benefit from extensive mentoring and support from local organisations, including One Ark, Knowsley Council and Merseyside Special Investment Fund, as well as receiving membership of Knowsley Chamber of Commerce.

The winner’s new shop will be created from an empty retail unit in Prescot Shopping Centre, which will be transformed to suit the needs of its new occupant before its opening in 2015.

The winning applicant will be required to demonstrate an enterprising, unique and independent retail offering, which will create employment opportunities for the region and attract shoppers to Prescot town centre.

This business owner will also have to impress judges with a savvy, entrepreneurial attitude.

The entry process is split into three tiers, beginning with an expression of interest whereby applicants will be asked to provide an overview of their business plan.

Selected entries will then be asked to submit a full and comprehensive application, which will be reviewed by a panel of regional business experts.

The final stage takes the form of a ‘Dragons Den’ style interview with the panel, from which a winning business will be chosen.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .