Entrepreneur challenge

UK entrepreneurs are invited to submit their applications for a slice of a E35m interest-free investment in the 2008 Bank of Scotland Corporate £35 Million Entrepreneur Challenge. Seven winners from regions across the UK will each receive up to £5m, free of interest and arrangement fees for three years.

Last year's competition attracted entries from organisations ranging from telecoms companies to fruit and vegetable wholesalers. One of last year's competition winners - Matt Riley, of Daisy Communications - also gained four days' mentoring from retail entrepreneur Sir Philip Green.

"We were delighted to win and have benefited enormously from the funding package, but the entry process itself also had a huge impact on the business," Riley said. "It meant we had to analyse and clarify our plans to ensure that we had a sound strategy for future development. Entering the challenge was one of the best business decisions I have ever taken."

Each region has a judging panel of successful entrepreneurs, business people and representatives from Bank of Scotland Corporate, the Sunday Times and Deloitte. For further information or to download an entry form, visit www.theboschallenge.co.uk. The closing date for entries is May 19.

Copyright Chartered Institute of Management Accountants May 2008
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