A TRIO of budding entrepreneurs have scooped the top prizes and impressed the judges in Worcestershire’s Dragon’s Den-inspired competition.
The Start-Up Quick Pitch event, which took place during the 15-year anniversary of Global Entrepreneurship Week, was run by Worcestershire County Council’s Enterprising Worcestershire team in partnership with the University of Worcester and the Business & Intellectual Property Centre Worcestershire.
The event saw shortlisted finalists take to the front to present their ideas to a panel of business experts.
It aimed to help those who are just embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, or new to pitching, to hone their selling skills and gain exposure to their business ideas.
First prize went to Dr Kirsten Protherough, for her healthcare business idea which aims to create a multidisciplinary team of Healthcare Professionals to deliver outstanding healthcare for adults living with frailty at home.
Second place was awarded to Lis Whybrow, an End of Life and Grief Coach who gave a powerful pitch on her coaching and training business idea.
Shane Conte scooped the third prize, for his innovative personalised plant pot business idea.
Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for Economy, Skills, and Infrastructure said: “A huge congratulations to all participants who were shortlisted for this year’s pitching event and particularly to the winner and runners up. It’s great to see we have such talented entrepreneurs in the county, and I wish them continued success with their ideas.”
The awards were presented by the events headline sponsor Gary Woodman, CEO at the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Dr Protherough won a £250 Amazon voucher, two hours of consultancy support and theatre tickets, courtesy of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Rockfine Group and Peter Hill, who appeared on the BBC’s Dragons Den programme in 2018.
Lis Whybrow won a £100 Amazon voucher and Shane Conte won a £50 Amazon voucher, both courtesy of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
All shortlisted entries received a year’s membership to the national business support platform, Enterprise Nation and a goodie bag.
Start-ups and aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to find out more about the support available can visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/enterprisingworcestershire.
