Time running out to face dragons and claim cash

Time is running out for entrepreneurs hoping to pitch their ideas to local business dragons and claim a grant of up to £3,000 to fund their idea.

The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Graham Cartledge CBE DL and Nottinghamshire Community Foundation are inviting applications from budding entrepreneurs in Mansfield and Ashfield for a grant to support their business development.

The High Sheriff and six local ‘Business Dragons’ are looking to award successful enterprise ideas a grant of up to £3000, plus potential investment, to support their business development.

The ‘Business Dragons’ include:

John Radford - Mansfield Town Football Club

Irvin Robinson - Mansfield Business Centre/Mansfield 2020

Peter Gadsby - Ark Capital

Rob Atkinson - Uni-2 / Caterway

Chris Lightbody - Longbow Venture Capital

Nick Linney - The Linney Group

To be considered for a grant, applicants need to be a resident of Ashfield or Mansfield, be able to submit a realistic business plan and have a great enterprise idea.

All applications must be submitted by 9.30am on September 30, 2014. Short listed applicants will be invited to present their ideas to the Business Dragons in Mansfield on Thursday November 6, 2014.

Graham Cartledge CBE DL, The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Chairman of Benoy, said, “I was delighted when Nottinghamshire Community Foundation approached me about supporting a ‘Dragons’ Den’ as part of the High Sheriff fund that they administer. As the Chairman of Benoy, an award-winning global architecture firm, the spirit of entrepreneurialism is dear to my heart. It is very important to me to support aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in North Nottinghamshire where unemployment and job opportunities are lower than other areas of the county. I look forward to joining the other local successful business leaders and giving encouragement and support to the best ideas”.

Nina Dauban, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, “Previous Dragons’ Dens have led to some great successes including Uni2 Ltd and Easy Preorders Ltd, where Dragons were so impressed they have invested themselves and offered mentoring support. We encourage budding entrepreneurs to apply as they may get a lot more than the grant!”

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