The competition was the culmination of our Entrepreneur Academy, and saw budding entrepreneurs pitching their businesses ideas to a panel of business experts to win vital funding to turn their business idea into a reality. 

For winning businesses Froosion, a juice, smoothy and fruit pot bar and Action Dog Photography, who will each receive £2,500, it will provide essential equipment to set-up and grow their businesses.

Knowledge to succeed

Sally Bartlett of Action Dog Photography and Co-operative Canines dog training said: “I’m delighted to have won because I will be able to buy some of the equipment I need to be able to expand my business and offer an even wider range of photographic services to clients.

“The process, which included advice on how best to deliver our business proposals, plus the feedback and suggestions from the 'dragons' on the day was very useful and provided excellent practice for future business presentations.”

Natalie Dugdale, co-founder of Froosion, said: “This will have a huge impact on our business and will help us to buy the equipment we need.

“The Entrepreneur Academy has been fantastic in taking us through aspects of starting our own business. Without it we could have started a business without knowing the most important things to help us succeed.”

Practical advice and business skills

The Entrepreneur Academy, run in partnership with East Surrey College, provides budding entrepreneurs with practical advice and skills, about setting up and running a successful business from business planning, finance and legal aspects to marketing and online business promotion. A team of business mentors also provide ongoing support. 

Simon Bland, the Council’s Business and Community Engagement Manager, said of the scheme: “We want to encourage and foster entrepreneurial behaviour as it’s good for our local economy. Through the Entrepreneur Academy and our other business support initiatives we are trying to ensure that our entrepreneurs have the business skills they need before they start out.”

Among the contributors were Kingston Smith, Morrison’s Solicitors, Surrey Chamber of Commerce, Barclays Bank, Let’s Do Business, the Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Business and Young Start-up Talent.

Register for next time

The scheme is set to run again in the new year, starting in February. To find out more and register your interest visit our How we can support your business page  or email businessandcommunityengagement@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.