A £12,000 prize awaits the entrepreneur with the best idea in Worcestershire. An innovation scheme aimed at developing ideas from Worcestershire’s entrepreneurs into successful, thriving enterprises has been launched.
The Make It Happen challenge is inviting anyone in the county with a business idea to submit their plans and, potentially, win a cash prize and a series of bespoke sponsorship packages from successful local businesses keen on helping to develop innovation and grass roots ideas. Organised by WINN – a Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP initiative which has formed a collaboration of the region’s best innovators with a mission to advance ideas and entrepreneurs – the challenge will see one idea receive a prize package worth £12,000.
The winning entry will be announced on 28 February 2018, and will receive a £5,000 cash reward, together with packages from the Make It Happen sponsors totalling £1,000 each.
Highly commended runners-up will all be invited to a series of workshops organised by WINN which are specially designed to give business owners the tools and techniques to get their ideas off the ground.
Jess Antley, speaking for Worcestershire County Council, described the Make It Happen challenge as a superb opportunity for an innovative idea to be recognised with a prize package, and a chance for other ideas which catch the judges’ eyes to gain access to some valuable insights and advice.
Jess Antley said: “As the saying goes, mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and in Worcestershire we have a tremendous track record of creating some impressive businesses, with the Make It Happen challenge, we can help fast-track the best of those ideas into what could become successful enterprises.If you’ve got the makings of a business idea – any idea – just as long as it’s based in Worcestershire – then visit the WINN website and submit it to be in with a chance of being awarded this fantastic prize.”
A collection of sponsors have generously donated their time and services as part of the prize package. They are Brand Refinery, Charles Lovell & Co, Jim Clark Advisory, Mercian Events, Scattermedia, SME Solicitors, and Terry Livesey Photography.
Marketing consultancy Brand Refinery specialise in both equity and reward model crowdfunding, while Charles Lovell & Co are recognised as one of the longest-established accountants in Worcester and Redditch.
The Jim Clark Advisory brings 30 years of support to SME leaders in the region, and Mercian Events specialise in providing creative technical assistance where live events require audio-visual and presentation equipment.
Digital agency Scattermedia offer a wide selection of digital media solutions from apps to motion graphics. Worcester-based SME Solicitors offer a full range of business services, while Terry Livesey can produce an advertising, product and commercial photography portfolio specifically for your business.
The winner will meet with each of the challenge sponsors and benefit from the bespoke prize package offered by them before taking centre stage at WINN’s Great Things Innovation Forum on 23 May 2018 where their idea will be showcased.
Participants are invited to enter the Make It Happen challenge by visiting the website here and filling out an application form before the deadline of 31 January 2018.
For more information on The Make It Happen challenge visit the WINN website here.