The first prize in the ‘dragons den’ style competition will be a commercial premises for 12 months to the value of £10,000 (This equates to  premises of around 1000 square feet) from Breckland’s portfolio.

 

There will also be a prize of a similar premises for 6 months to the value of £5000 for the runner up. The competition has already sparked the imagination of Breckland’s partners with additional prizes pledged - such as a laptop and free management training from Poultec Training Ltd. The winning businesses will be offered ongoing advice through Breckland Council’s economic development unit and the business support network.

 

Entrants will need to submit applications from which a panel of business experts will select the finalists. The applicants will then have to pitch their business ideas to the panel at a special event in August.
 
Paul Claussen, Executive Member for Economic and Housing commented:
 
“Even though our commercial property portfolio is bucking national trends at 94% capacity we recognise that this is a difficult time for new business start-ups. There are however always opportunities in tough times and this competition will, I hope, inspire owners of early-stage fledgling businesses to take the plunge and give them the best possible start. Our judges will be looking for innovative ideas and sound business plans which have the potential to create more jobs in the district.”
 
Full details of the competition will be publicised soon. In the meantime any business people that wish to register interest in the competition should contact Lindy Warmer at Breckland Council on 01362 656870.