Business start-ups and entrepreneurial students are being given the chance to win up to £1,000 prize money and raise the profile of their businesses in a new competition.
The Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition, organised by Middlesex University, Barnet Council and Barnet and Southgate College, gives the chance for local entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to win one of four prizes worth £500 each. The competition runs from 18 January until 19 February with prize money provided by Hammerson, one of the developers of the Brent Cross regeneration scheme.
The prizes are divided into four categories; Barnet residents with a business idea or business start-ups of less than 12 months old, Middlesex University postgraduate students and recent alumni, Middlesex University undergraduate students and students at Barnet and Southgate College. Each winner will receive £500 and the opportunity for mentoring, support and advice from business experts.
The winners from each of the four categories will then go head to head in a business pitch at Hammerson head office in London. The overall champion will receive a further £500 prize money.
Entrants will need to complete a business plan using the template provided. All entries will be judged by a panel of business experts and must be submitted by email to corporate@mdx.ac.uk by 12 noon on Friday 19 February 2016.
Further information about how to apply including the business plan template can be found at www.barnet.gov.uk/business-competition.
Councillor Daniel Thomas, Chairman of Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee, said: “This Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition is an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get their ideas out there and receive support to kick-start their businesses. Good luck to all entrepreneurs from across the borough who take part.”
David Williams, Director for Corporate Engagement at Middlesex University said: “Promoting entrepreneurship is one of our key areas at Middlesex, so we are delighted to work with our partners in identifying, recognising and supporting new enterprise. Highlighting innovation and good business ideas can only help encourage other businesses to grow and compete more widely.”