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Budding entrepreneurs have the chance to test whether their start-up business scheme has what it takes to impress a panel of industry experts and win £250.

Open to University students, start-ups and businesses who have been trading up to 12 months, Start-Up QuickPitch, is a joint event run by the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ and Enterprising Worcestershire, a Worcestershire County Council programme part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Entrants have five minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of local business experts, with the winner receiving £250.

The event, at The Hive on February 26, is designed to encourage those who are new to pitching to hone their personal selling skills, while giving them a platform to promote and gain exposure for their business concepts.

Nicholas Bancroft, Enterprise Manager at the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ, said: “We are really keen that people from the local business community, as well as students, get involved in this event.  You might be thinking about freelance work, considering a career change and need some advice and signposting, or would simply like to see what the next great business idea is. Either way, the event will offer invaluable access to entrepreneurs and business leaders and business support agencies who will be happy to help you to figure out your next steps.”

The Hive is supporting this event as part of the Business and Intellectual Property Centre programme, a national libraries network supporting entrepreneurs and businesses with resources, intellectual property advice, workshops and networking.

The competition is free to enter and every shortlisted entrepreneur will receive a free year’s membership to the national business support platform, Enterprise Nation.  Deadline for entries is Sunday, February 9.

For further information, contact Ellie Brown, Enterprising Worcestershire Project Support Officer, on 01905 846796 or Nicholas Bancroft on 01905 542817.

To register your interest, please send the following details to businessevents@worcestershire.gov.uk

• Trading status – pre-start individual or business less than 12 months old
• Overview of your business idea
• The rationale behind your idea
• What benefits your product or service will bring to your customers

Applications need not be more than 100 words. Applications will be checked for eligibility and then those shortlisted will be asked to present their idea.