Enter the Dragons’ Glen and win a £10,000 investment for your business idea!
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is delighted to bring you a bigger, better, faster Dragons’ Glen as part of Ideas Week 2017 in association West Coast Communities Growth Trust administered by Foundation Scotland, with £10,000 prize money available for one daring entrepreneur!
Dragons Angus MacDonald, Anja Baak, Steve Ham and Emma Parton ready to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Lochaber!
This is the fourth year of the Dragons Glen competition – inspired by the popular TV show! The competition is open to all Lochaber residents, aged 16 or over, who have a business idea, and businesses wishing to diversify or introduce an innovative new concept. Dragons’ Glen applicants are asked to produce a 90 second video pitch along with a written application explaining why their venture is of “important to the area”.
2014 saw Oliver Millington of Three Wise Monkeys take first place and since then he has taken his vision of renovating an old church into the town’s first indoor climbing centre a reality!
A representative from 3WM said “Well, we did it. An awesome new Indoor Climbing Centre in Fort William. No more nothing to do on a rainy day, no more nothing to do on the dark winter evenings. 3 Wise Monkeys happened because we believe the UK climbing community deserves better – and we’re pushing ourselves all the time to make that happen”
In 2015 Clan Pods were our winners. Today they continue to put in exciting new structures throughout the Outdoor Capital of the UK, including major works at Glencoe Mountain Resort.
Last year’s winner was Scottish Fashion Designer Lorna Gillies who wowed the Dragons’ with her bespoke traditional womenswear with a contemporary twist.
Lorna Gillies said, “Winning Dragons’ Glen in 2016 allowed me to take a trip to the isle of Lewis, visit the Harris Tweed mills and form relationships with the independent weavers based there. It also allowed me to buy fabric in bulk which helped me to launch my first collection.”
“I have also been lucky enough to showcase my products in various Highland Shows across Scotland including the Royal Highland Show and Scone Palace Game Fair.”
“I encourage entrepreneurs to enter Dragons’ Glen - I mainly did this to take me out of my comfort zone! So take part and good luck!”
This years’ event will take place on Wednesday 15th November at 5pm at The Moorings Hotel in Fort William.
Anyone who dares to enter the Dragons’ Glen should email chris.obrien@lochaberchamber.co.uk please note that the closing date for entries will be 5pm on Friday 29th September.