Startup businesses from across the UK have been offered the chance to win a business support package worth £20,000 in a new competition launched by Venturefest York.
Venturefest York, organisers of a one-day conference for entrepreneurs, is offering the prize to businesses in the technology sector.
From an initial shortlist of thirty, ten startup firms will be given the chance to pitch their idea to an audience of potential investors, including venture capitalists and business angels, during the event on 5 February 2004.
A panel of judges will then select a winner, who will receive £3,000 to invest in their business, a year’s free accommodation in premises at York Science Park and £10,000 worth of professional service during their first year including financial, legal, marketing and personnel support.
Organisers pointed out that although the competition is open to entrepreneurs from across Britain, the prize requires the winner to relocate to York to take up the offer of accommodation.
A ‘People’s Prize’ of £2,000 will also be up for grabs, with the winner chosen by delegates at the event.
From initial applications, Venturefest York will choose thirty fledgling firms to be put through a “rigorous assessment process” by business development network Connect Yorkshire.
Over the three-month course, the shortlisted entrepreneurs will be provided training to prepare them for their pitch to the Venturefest judges, before they are whittled down to the ten finalists.
Gareth Owens, Venturefest York track co-ordinator, said that investors from all over the country will come to Venturefest York looking for great businesses in which to invest.
“All ten businesses pitching for investment on the day will have an excellent chance of securing funding.
“Through the Venturefest Business Awards, the competition winners are guaranteed a boost that will help them realise their business dream,” he said.
If you are interested in applying for the competition, visit www.venturefestyork.net for more details.
