Doug Richard, founder of School for Startups, known as the original BBC2 Dragon, has joined the Judges panel at The Pitch 2009 and will provide one-to-one mentoring for the winner.
The Pitch 2009 will see small business owners across the UK pitching to experts for the chance to win a collection of business support prizes worth £50,000. The contest kicks off in June with heats in Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, followed by a grand final later on in the year.
Doug joins a panel of experienced serial entrepreneurs, including Deadre Bounds and Tim Campbell, who will pick the eventual competition winner. He said today: “The Pitch is an exciting programme that highlights great entrepreneurial talent with a real prize at the end. I think it is just the kind of contest we need to help start-ups gain exposure and support.”
Dan Martin, editor of BusinessZone.co.uk, which organises The Pitch, said: “We are delighted to have someone of Doug Richard’s calibre backing The Pitch 2009. What Doug doesn’t know about business isn’t worth knowing so all the contestants who are lucky enough to interact with him will benefit hugely from his expertise.”
Entrepreneurs planning to enter The Pitch can get the inside track on what Doug looks for in a successful startup by attending his School for Startups. He is running two seminars at The British Library in London on 15th and 22nd June, covering everything from business models, revenue, investment, funding and session entitled “The Perfect Pitch”. Tickets are available at www.schoolforstartups.co.uk.
Entrepreneurs can enter The Pitch at www.thepitch2009.com.
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