Lochaber firms prepare to enter Dragons’ Glen
It might seem like quite a way off, but the team at Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is already busy planning for another great Lochaber Ideas Week, from November 12 to 16.
Lochaber Ideas Week is a celebration of innovation in business that brings Lochaber business people and the wider community together every November.
One of the most popular events in Lochaber Ideas Week is the Dragons’ Glen business competition, where anyone with a great business idea can pitch their plan to win an amazing £10,000 cash prize generously donated by the West Coast Communities Growth Fund (administered through Foundation Scotland).
The Dragons’ Glen competition is open to everyone based in Lochaber, whether they are already in business or not.
Anyone who thinks they have spotted a gap in the market or an exciting new way of doing somethingncan enter the competition.
Following a similar format to the popular business-pitching TV show, four local entrepreneurs and business people quiz the contestants on their business plan and ambitions in front of a packed audience.
Contestants are asked to submit their ideas, with a business plan, and prepare a short video presentation to be shown on the competition night.
The judges’ decision is entirely independent, and based on their individual assessments of the candidates’ business ideas.
Now in its fifth year, Dragons’ Glen has helped lots of great new business ideas to take shape.
There has been an amazing variety in the kind of business ideas submitted over the years: from distinctive hand-crafted Highland lamps and ornaments, to a new glamping site, seaweed-based products and more.
Previous winners have included the 3WiseMonkeys climbing centre, Clark Pods wooden camping pods, Lorna Gillies fashion designer and Kinlochlovin’ social enterprise company.
Anyone who thinks their idea could be the next big thing, should keep their eyes peeled for details of the competition opening soon. Whether they already have a firm idea of what they want to do, or they are waiting for inspiration to strike, now is the time to start preparing.
Dragons’ Glen will open for entries this summer, so dust off the business plan, get to work on that spreadsheet and start practising the pitch. No idea is too big or too small. Anyone could be the lucky winner of £10,000.
Find out more about local business events, training and networking opportunities at www. lochaberchamber.co.uk. To ask about joining, call 01397 705765.