Dragons' Den
What is a Dragons’ Den Event?
Do you run your own business based within the borough of Rotherham? Do you have the ambition to develop and drastically grow your business? Then Dragons’ Den may be the perfect opportunity for you!
The events, which are inspired by the BBC series of the same name, are funded by
UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) and supported by Rotherham’s Enterprise Board. They will offer you, the entrepreneur, a unique opportunity to fast track the growth of your already established business.
The events will provide you with the opportunity to pitch your existing business and its growth potential to a panel of Dragons, made up of successful local entrepreneurs. The Dragons may be interested in offering your organisation direct investment; alongside this there is also the potential to involve the Dragons in your business as non executive directors or mentors. Further funding opportunities exist with UK Steel Enterprise, the event sponsor. Finally there is a prize of £1500 up for grabs for the “best pitch” and the winner of Rotherham’s very own Dragons’ Den will receive exclusive editorial coverage in South Yorkshire Business Magazine, the bi-monthly magazine for private and public sector directors in Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster & Barnsley.
All Dragon’s and the small invited audience are in a position to offer private investment to any of the pitching entrepreneurs, this would be subject to all parties seeking independent legal advice and exploring any opportunities further.
How does the programme work?
The Dragons’ Den events, which are free to attend, will be run in late afternoon/early evening.
Pitching entrepreneurs will be expected to deliver a short pitch, no longer than 10 minutes in duration, to the Dragons and a small invited audience. The Dragons’ and members of the audience will then have the opportunity to ask you some questions based around your pitch, all of this takes place in an unchallenging and confidential environment where business opportunities can be fully explored.
Once all pitches have been delivered the Dragons will agree on the winner of the “best pitch” prize and also any offers of private investment and support that will be offered, this will be announced following an informal canapé and drinks reception.
Am I eligible?
As a potential pitching entrepreneur you need to meet the criteria outlined below.
- Your business must be based within the borough of Rotherham
- Your business must have been established and trading for 3 years or less
- Does your business have excellent growth potential?
- Would your business benefit from external resources – for example venture capital and/or experience and contact with an experienced local entrepreneur?
Your application must be accompanied by a supporting reference, further details of suitable referees can be found on the expression of interest form.
What are the benefits?
Dragons’ Den will provide you with an exciting opportunity to highlight your businesses growth potential to a panel of successful entrepreneurs who have the ability to offer you the external resources you need to achieve your goals.
What did recent attendees think of the event?
“I’m honoured to have won the Dragons’ Den Event. I have had offers of help and support from the Dragon’s and audience members - never in a million years did I think this was possible and I’m very grateful for all the help and support!”
Fiona Morgan – Alexandra Buffet Company
How can I find out more?
For more information on the Dragons’ Den events, or to register your interest, please contact Helen Allison – Enterprise Events Co-ordinator.
Helen Allison - Enterprise Events Co-ordinator
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Tel: 01709 823816
Email:
Contact By Email
DISCLAIMER: All businesses and pitching entrepreneurs must be aware of the importance of taking independent legal advice before any investment offer is formally agreed.