LOCHABER IDEAS WEEK RETURNS IN 2014
1st May 2014LOCHABER IDEAS WEEK RETURNS IN 2014
Please note: This article refers to Ideas Week 2014. For details of the 2015 event, click here.
Lochaber Ideas Week, which made its debut last November, is back for 2014, with an even more varied line up of events and very attractive prizes for the winners of its entrepreneurship competition ‘Dragon’s Glen’.
Lochaber Ideas Week (17-21 November 2014) celebrates business, education and community through a week-long gathering of exceptional talks, workshops, competition, discussion and networking- ultimately provoking new ideas and inspiring actionable results!
In a repeat of what was one of the most popular and innovative attractions of the Week, ‘Dragons’ Glen’ inspired by the BBC business show, is a competition designed to stimulate the minds of aspiring and developing business seeking to operate in the Lochaber, ensuring great ideas become a reality!
The competition is open to any budding entrepreneurs over the age of 16years old, with an idea for starting up or developing a business in the area. Each entry will be carefully judged with the top six contestants being asked in turn to present their business plan to an audience and judging dragons on October 6th. Three lucky contestants will then be invited to the final on 19th November which falls during Lochaber Ideas Week itself!
As before, entrants will be invited to ‘pitch’ their plans to an expert panel, who will listen carefully, ask probing questions and pick a winner who will receive £1000 worth of web design, support and hosting from Lamont Design, one year membership with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce and £7,500 cash prize awarded by local charity the Moidart Trust.
Potential benefits of Ideas Week are already being demonstrated, when, as a direct result of the first event, local sea kayaking provider Rock Hopper responded to a presentation given by Scottish Canals on desired changes to the under used canal side, by diversifying into a new business venture at Neptune Staircase.
Just a few months later they took the opportunity to start an innovative business providing a much needed activity rental service, encouraging further recreation on Lochaber water ways and another reason for visitors and locals to use these facilities.
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Don Hind said: “Lochaber Ideas Week is a catalyst to stimulate fresh initiatives and ventures, creating new connections and points of collaboration designed to enhance the area we live in.
“The whole week will be of great benefit to any business taking part and the exciting ‘Dragon’s Glen’ competition is a unique opportunity to start the business you know will succeed!”.
For more information on the Lochaber Ideas Week or the Dragons Glen visit: http://www.outdoorcapital.co.