With just two weeks to go before its application deadline,
Barclays is calling on anyone with an exciting new business idea to
submit an entry to the 'Take One Small Step' competition.
The competition, which is looking for budding entrepreneurs up
and down the country, will select nine winners to award a prize of
£50,000 each to help make these business dreams a
reality.
The competition, in its second year, is open to brand new
start-ups or existing businesses looking to expand and has already
attracted a lot of attention.
"The standard of entries this year is phenomenal," said Steve
Cooper, Managing Director of Barclays Business. "We are seeing well
thought-out, creative business ideas coming through that people
truly believe in.
"I'd urge anyone with an existing business, or spark of a new
idea to enter this competition and win a substantial amount of
money to help take their business idea to the next level. Winners
will also receive the benefit of guidance and advice from the
experts at Barclays Business. Quite simply, if you don't enter you
can't win and there are only two weeks to go before it's too
late."
Barclays is also offering help and advice to would-be entrants
via the website and a series of local seminars designed to give
business owners practical help on making their business a
success.
After the deadline, a panel of judges will shortlist a total of
27 business ideas - three each from nine different regions. Then,
it's over to the public to vote for the winners, who will each
receive £50,000 cash and expert advice for a year.
Shortlisted individuals will be encouraged to drum up support
for their idea by enlisting the support of family, friends,
colleagues and their community to help get behind them and win.
To enter your business idea, go to
www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk.
Nine business ideas will each win £50,000
Deadline for entries: 27th April, 2011