ENTREPRENEURIAL charities – and organisations and people who are overcoming major barriers to succeed – could be in line for a huge cash boost.
Launching The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2010, businessman Steve Morgan said:
“These awards are very different from most other awards.
“Not only are there substantial cash prizes, but in line with the ethos of the Morgan Foundation, there are also categories aimed specifically at entrepreneurial charities and organisations that make a social or economic contribution to the region.
“With Government cut-backs imminent, such organisations are even more important in their local communities and need all the encouragement they can get.”
More than £100,000 of cash prizes – and a tailored programme of business support – are expected to be competed for by charities, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs from Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire, North Wales and the Wolverhampton area.
There are five categories, including one specifically for charities and social enterprises in the Liverpool area (sponsored by Liverpool Vision), plus a package of valuable professional services, including free banking advice from the main sponsor Barclays.
Mr Morgan added:
“These awards really do make a difference to the organisations and individuals who take part.
“Last year’s winners and runners-up have said that winning has helped them in many ways – from a much needed capital injection into their business to improving staff
morale.”
John Powell, relationship director at Barclays Corporate, said: “Barclays is proud to support the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards for the fourth year running.
“We continue to support and lend to viable small-to-medium enterprises during these challenging and unprecedented economic conditions.
“In 2009, we supported over 89,000 businesses in starting-up. This is more than in any year since 2003.
“Every single one of them aims to be a positive influence on their local community.
“I hope this year’s entrants and their stories will inspire other budding entrepreneurs to c
ome forward and turn their own business dreams into a reality.”
The awards are free to enter and it’s simple to apply.
A panel of independent business leaders and experts will select the finalists, who will then have the opportunity to present in person at the final judging in October.
Winners and runners-up will be announced at a gala dinner at Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire on November 11.
Categories:
Best New Business – less than 4 years old. Winner, £20,000 Two runners-up, £5,000
Best Entrepreneur or Business Providing Economic or Social Contribution to its Region within the past 3 years. Winner, £12,500. Two runners-up, £5,000
Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise. Winner, £12,500. Two runners-up, £5,000
Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise in Liverpool (area covered by Liverpool City Council). Winner, £10,000
Best Young Entrepreneur – under 25 years old. Winner, £10,000. Two runners-up, £2,500
Against All Odds – Person, business, social enterprise or charity overcoming the greatest difficulties to succeed. Winner, £10,000
Closing date for entries: September 10.
Full details, Jane Harris, Morgan Foundation Administrator, tel 01829 782800
Email: jane.harris@morganfoundation.co.uk
About The Morgan Foundation . . .
The Morgan Foundation was created in 2001 to support charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire.
Its aim and philosophy is to ‘make a difference’ by providing funding for small to medium sized organisations that are addressing specific needs.
Help is focussed mainly on those who work directly with children and families, but it is interested in all projects that enhance the quality of life for people in the region, particularly those suffering from disability or disadvantage.
