Six small business owners secured cash injections of up to £1,000 at MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival last week, after presenting a two-minute pitch in front of a live audience.
The brave entrepreneurs had to present their idea to two judges, in no longer than the average elevator journey – while a crowd looked on.
In total 25 entrepreneurs presented to MITIE’s corporate affairs director John Telling and Sheffield Hallam University Business School’s Tim Davidson-Hague over two events.
The two winners of the £1,000 prize were Jane Stammers of Wadsley Hall Farm Kitchen – for her commitment to locally-sourced and manufactured food – and Sam Wherrett’s live music event streaming service Bid Live Event.
Second prizes of £500 were awarded to two other entrepreneurs, while the judges were so spoilt for choice that they chose two further businesses to each receive £250.
The event was the latest initiative from FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing company MITIE, which has created a £10m fund to support new start-ups.
In May this year MITIE invited entrepreneurs to pitch for the remaining £5m in the fund.
Telling said: “It’s fantastic to see such an array of ideas and entrepreneurial activity taking place; it’s vital that we support this to encourage continued innovation and individuality in today’s business world.”