The search is on for the region’s most promising start up
Is your fledgling food or drink brand the next big thing? The search is on for the region’s most promising start up
Four South West businesses have joined together to form The Seed Fund – a start-up business incubator designed to offer one young, regional food or drink brand the support needed to grow and build a future-proof brand. The 2014 Seed Fund launches this week and is calling for entries to find the next Pieminster, Weston’s Cider or Wyke Farms Cheese. Applicants should apply online at www.seedsw.co.uk before 14 March 2014.
Owners or managers of brands or businesses that have gone beyond concept stage can apply to The Seed Fund.
Judges, representing each of the four businesses, will be looking for evidence of some trading history and the brand’s future commercial potential. Businesses applying should be less than three years old and applicants will need to show drive, passion and commitment to take their business to the next stage of growth.
The successful recipient will receive a year’s worth of brand and design consultancy from The Collaborators; PR, marketing and social media support from Bristol based agency purplefish; Omni Digital who will provide digital and web marketing support; and South Gloucestershire based FD Works which will provide business and financial advice. The winner will receive in excess of £100,000 in consultancy advice, support and mentoring as well as introductions to potential investors and buyers.
Seed Fund sponsor and supporter Taste of the West, which runs many food events throughout the South West and promotes regional food and drink brands to international markets, will also be promoting the initiative and chief executive John Sheaves will be on the judging panel.
Commenting on the initiative, John Sheaves said: “The South West region has given rise to some outstanding food and drink brands that have gone on to experience international success and this initiative is a great way to uncover new and exciting brands of the future.”
“We’ll be looking for a good idea or concept from motivated, inspiring and entrepreneurial-minded people. The successful recipient of The Seed Fund will have access to a fantastic portfolio of support and mentoring and Taste of the West is delighted to be a part of this great initiative.”
Entry forms can be downloaded from www.seedsw.co.uk and are also available at forthcoming Taste of the West Events: www.tasteofthewest.co.uk
