News

Launch of the 2010 If We Can You Can Challenge

11th March 2010

The ' If We Can You Can ' Challenge aims to nurture emerging entrepreneurial talent and recapture a spirit of enterprise in the North East.  The Challenge is open to individuals aged 16 and over that fit one of these descriptions:

• Thinkers - applicants will have an idea and be looking to turn it into a viable business opportunity.  They will probably be ready to take the first steps to making it a reality.
• Doers - applicants will have taken the plunge and be working hard to get their business off the ground.
• Growers - the business is established, but applicants will have identified new opportunities to make it grow.  They will be developing plans to maximise potential.

Applicants must be either considering turning an idea into a business, have recently established a business or are growing an established business.  Entrants must be a resident of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland, although the existing or planned business must be headquartered/controlled in the North East of England.

There will be seven overall winners (one for each media region) and each will receive the following:

• The face of North East Entrepreneurship 2011 - winners will spearhead next year's campaign, appearing in ongoing campaign advertising and publicity.
• Business surgery - to help benefit the business and providing access to senior Entrepreneurs' Forum members and other senior entrepreneurs across the region.
• A business gadget.
• A business services package - worth up to £5,000.
• Ongoing advice - qualified support, signposting and advice on potential sources of finance.
  
  All finalists will also receive a place at the Entrepreneurs' Forum Annual Conference in May worth £250.

The 2010 deadline for receipt of applications is 3 May 2010.