Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
£15k investment set to boost three growth businesses
The company, which specialises in computer hardware and data destruction, will inject a total of £15,000 prize money to be evenly split between the three winners.
Ten businesses will be shortlisted to present their goals and vision to a judging panel which includes Margaret Wood MBE, founder of niche glazing manufacturer ICW, on Thursday 26 September.
Katie Rigarlsford, Leeds Met's Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Manager, said: "The QU2 team is delighted to support ADD with this business investment competition as we feel it's not just the financial investment that will benefit the competition winners.
"Just as important is the training and mentoring support from ADD's experienced team which will help any young business to achieve a step change. This mentoring - coupled with a year's free training support from QU2 - will go a long way to accelerate growth for the successful companies."
Entries are welcome from innovative start-ups and ambitious businesses founded in the last three years. Following the pitch, three successful entrants will each be awarded a £5k investment boost from ADD along with expert business mentoring from its directors. QU2 will also offer the winners a year's free access to its business accelerator programme.
Investment competition judge and ADD operations director Julie Pickersgill, said: "Far from being involved in the project solely as an 'angel investor', we're genuinely committed to forging strong partnerships. Our investment encompasses more than just financial input - and extends to training, mentoring and developing those with the potential to succeed.
"We're seeking a minimum 5% equity in each of the three successful businesses and are committed to sharing and passing on the formative lessons we've learnt to those with passion and the potential to grow their enterprises. Our commercial advice will span critical areas such as innovation, strategy, sales and recruitment - while reinforcing the importance of always keeping the big picture in mind."
David Hunt, senior Barclays business manager, is also on the judging panel and the closing date for applications is 16 September. To download an application form, visit http://www.qu2leeds.co.uk/add.htm.
Leeds Metropolitan University offers two business support services: Business Start-Up, which supports students and graduates of Leeds Metropolitan who want to become self-employed or start up in business; and QU2, which offers business support and office space to any business in the region, particularly suiting start-up and early stage businesses with limited budgets.
QU2 and Business Start-Up both provide training and advice on the main aspects of starting and growing a small business including: sales, marketing, legal concerns, accountancy and finance, online marketing and human resources. Clients can also access one-to-one advice from in-house business advisors.