Are you a social entrepreneur and do you fancy taking part in a Dragons’ Den style event where you have the opportunity to win £1,500?
Five entrepreneurs are being given the chance to make a five-minute elevator pitch to claim the prize fund.
The event is sponsored by Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), one of the UK’s largest social finance organisations. The competition is open to any new idea, concept, product or service.
The event, now into its third year, is part of Social Enterprise NI’s ‘Social Value’ conference which takes place at the end of the month.
Last year’s winner, Belfast-based ‘Outside In’, used the funds to promote its ethical streetwear brand to a global market and support its work with the homeless.
Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director of UCIT, said every year organisers are more than impressed by the calibre of the entries.
“Social enterprises need to be as enterprising and as innovative as their peers in the private sector. Their ability to provide social good depends entirely on their ability to sell and market products and services that their customers will value.
“In line with other firms they need to produce business plans which stand up to scrutiny. The Dragons’ Den event is a great format in which to put their plans to the test and showcase ideas to a wider audience,” he said.
The 2018 winner Outside In sells a range of ethically produced clothing and provides a free beanie or blanket with every item sold for customers to give to a homeless person. In two years they have donated 20,000 products in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.
Outside In’s Founder, David Johnston, said although they have been operating for just two years, the enterprise has already developed a strong customer base both at home and abroad.
“Winning last year’s competition was a major stepping stone, not just for the prize fund, but for the confidence it gave us and the discipline of refining our business plans.
“Our vision is to tackle homelessness by giving our customers the opportunity to start a conversation and begin building relationships with someone who is homeless,” he added.
Colin Jess, Social Enterprise NI’s Director, said the event gives organisations not only the opportunity to tell their story, but also to pitch for the generous prize money provided by UCIT.
“We have a great line up of speakers, both local and from across the UK, who will contribute to what promises to be another great event,” he added.
This year’s ‘Dragons’ are Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director, UCIT, Jude Henderson, Outside In and the conference’s two keynote speakers, Jonathan Bland, MD, Social Business International and Julian Blake, one of the UK’s leading social enterprise legal experts.
Entry forms are available online from Social Enterprise NI and must be submitted by January 24. The five best contestants will be selected for the final which takes place on January 31 at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey.