Budding entrepreneurs are wanted to take part in a Dragons Den-style event.

They will have the chance to apply for grants of up to £3,000 to support their business development.

Nottinghamshire Community Foundation (NCF) is hosting its eighth den, which is backed by Turning Point Investments, a partnership of local business people that make investments in local companies.

The business dragons include Ashley Cooper, of Turning Point Investments; Dr Nik Kotecha, of Morningside Pharmaceuticals; Richard Henshell, of Strelley Hall; Mark Doleman, of Deloitte UK; and Mike Sassi, of the Nottingham Post.
To be considered for a grant, applicants must live in Nottinghamshire, have a realistic business plan and have an enterprise idea.

Applications must be submitted by 9.30am on 7th September. Short-listed applicants will be invited to present their ideas to the business dragons at The St James Place Hotel, Nottingham, on 24th September.

Dr Jas Bilkhu, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, said: “I am keen in my year of office to support new business and to give people with good ideas a helping hand where I can.

“My aim is to encourage innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the county. We all need help and support in bringing new ideas to fruition and these awards are a great way to give a boost to the morale of budding entrepreneurs.”

Nina Dauban, chief executive of NCF, said: “On the day they get a lot more than the grant as the generosity of our dragons has demonstrated.

“So far we have seen a range of gifts and help that includes free premises, new websites and IT support, new machinery, marketing and leads worth more than £100,000.”

To find out more go to www.nottscf.org.uk/grants/dragons-den