17/04/2012
LEICESTER Market is looking for people ready to take on the challenge of running their own stall as part of a four-week competition for the title of 'Pitch Up Entrepreneur 2012'.
The 'Pitch Up' competition will give eight potential entrepreneurs the chance to try out their business ideas by running a stall at Leicester Market.
Anyone wanting to be considered for the Pitch Up competition must apply by Friday, May 18, 2012.
The eight successful entrants will be offered a free trading slot at Leicester Market for one day a week throughout June. They will also be given a £250 grant to help with initial set-up costs as well as free access to business workshops and mentoring support to help them sharpen their business plans and trading skills.
A further prize of six months' free trading and an additional £500 business development grant will be up for grabs by the entrant whose stall makes the most profit over the course of the competition.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: "Leicester Market has a lot to offer new and innovative traders. It is an exciting and diverse retail space and has helped launch many successful local entrepreneurs. This competition shows that the tradition of supporting and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit is still at the heart of Leicester Market."
Joe Harkin, Leicester City Council markets development manager, added: "We've been keen to do a competition a bit like 'The Apprentice' for a while. We very excited about the search for our first 'Pitch Up Entrepreneur' winner.
"But this competition is as much about offering people the advice, support and opportunity to turn their ideas into a real business and give them the hands-on experience of running a market stall."
Applicants must be over 18 years of age and available to trade one day each week during June. The competition is not open to anyone currently trading at Leicester Market.
Full application details are available online at
www.leicestermarket.co.uk
LEICESTER Market is looking for people ready to take on the challenge of running their own stall as part of a four-week competition for the title of 'Pitch Up Entrepreneur 2012'.
The 'Pitch Up' competition will give eight potential entrepreneurs the chance to try out their business ideas by running a stall at Leicester Market.
Anyone wanting to be considered for the Pitch Up competition must apply by Friday, May 18, 2012.
The eight successful entrants will be offered a free trading slot at Leicester Market for one day a week throughout June. They will also be given a £250 grant to help with initial set-up costs as well as free access to business workshops and mentoring support to help them sharpen their business plans and trading skills.
A further prize of six months' free trading and an additional £500 business development grant will be up for grabs by the entrant whose stall makes the most profit over the course of the competition.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: "Leicester Market has a lot to offer new and innovative traders. It is an exciting and diverse retail space and has helped launch many successful local entrepreneurs. This competition shows that the tradition of supporting and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit is still at the heart of Leicester Market."
Joe Harkin, Leicester City Council markets development manager, added: "We've been keen to do a competition a bit like 'The Apprentice' for a while. We very excited about the search for our first 'Pitch Up Entrepreneur' winner.
"But this competition is as much about offering people the advice, support and opportunity to turn their ideas into a real business and give them the hands-on experience of running a market stall."
Applicants must be over 18 years of age and available to trade one day each week during June. The competition is not open to anyone currently trading at Leicester Market.
Full application details are available online at
www.leicestermarket.co.uk