Local voluntary sector invited to enter Dragons’ Den

Those working within the voluntary and community sector across the county are being invited to take part in Shropshire’s very own Dragons’ Den event with a difference. 

The event is part of a series of initiatives funded by Shropshire Council to encourage collaborative working between the county’s business sector and the voluntary and community sector, and will see participants pitching for support across areas including marketing, law, finance, human resources and business development. 

Organisations including social enterprises, community groups and registered charities are being urged to apply for an opportunity to get in front of a panel of Dragons, made up of leading figures within the Shropshire business community, in a bid to gain invaluable access to a package of business support services. 

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges and eight finalists selected to go through to pitching stage, where they will give a ten minute presentation to the panel on why their organisation deserves the support being offered.  Formal pitches will take place on Thursday 26 July 2012 at the Academy in Shrewsbury between 6pm and 8pm, and full support and training will be provided to the final eight in putting together a perfect pitch. 

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector, said:

“This event offers a unique and exciting opportunity for those within the voluntary and community sector looking to develop and grow their organisations to gain access to some of the best business people in the county. 

“Many people we’ve spoken to within this sector in particular have really struggled to get in front of businesses and potential investors, and the fact that we have a panel of influential business leaders just waiting to offer their advice and support is just fantastic. 

“Whether a fledgling organisation, or an enterprise that has been established a long time, we’d urge anyone looking for any element of business support to get in touch today and be in with a chance of learning from the very best that Shropshire has to offer.” 

For further information or to request an application form please contact Claire Carter on 01694 731759 or email jigsawconsultancy@btinternet.com.