Famous business leaders supporting our £250,000 giveaway for small firms

BIG name business leaders have backed The Sun’s £250,000 giveaway for small firms. 

We’ve teamed up with Camelot to give 50 so-called kitchen table entrepreneurs a helping hand in launching their own business. 

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We have 25 grants for existing microbusinesses and 25 more for ideas to set up a business. 

Our new initiative has been praised by business leaders including Baroness Karren Brady, ex-Dragon Theo Paphitis and Claire Davenport, CEO of Notonthehighstreetcom. 

Baroness Karren Brady, 51, said: “All big businesses started off small, as an idea and a dream in an entrepreneur’s head.” 

“As someone who regularly mentors start-ups and first time business owners, I know how important it is to have support and access to funds to get you going.”

“That’s why I’m delighted to back this campaign – and I look forward to discovering some brilliant new businesses.”

Win a £5,000 grant for your start-up

DO you have a big idea for a small business?

We’ve teamed up with Camelot to give 50 Kitchen Table entrepreneurs a helping hand to launch their business dream.

We are giving away £250,000 in total.

Fill in the entry form by May 22. 

Our panel of experts will choose the winners and grants will be allocated in June and July.

See the full terms and conditions. 

While retail tycoon and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, 61, said: “Supporting small businesses is vital, and this is a great initiative from Camelot and The Sun.

“I am 100 per cent sure that our economic recovery will be entrepreneur-led by brilliant, passionate small business owners with BIG ideas and a whole bucket-load of passion. 

“We mustn’t underestimate those creating businesses from their kitchen tables or garages, as history has taught us that they’re the ones to watch, especially in times of disruption. “Because, where there is disruption there is always opportunity.”

While Claire Davenport, said: “Every day we speak to small business founders and ‘kitchen-table’ entrepreneurs who’ve found freedom, flexibility and purpose in their work while creating new job opportunities, building their local economy, and bringing joy to people across the country.

“It’s vital these companies receive as much support as possible to grow and succeed, so it’s fantastic to see the launch of this new initiative designed to help raise up the next generation of small, creative entrepreneurs.”

Kanya King CBE, founder of the MOBOS and MOBOLISE platform to connect black people to mentoring, added: “At this time of immense change, it’s so important we help small businesses and especially those entrepreneurs who are just starting out. I back The Sun’s work to do this.

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While Andy Davis, co-founder of the 10×10 fund, said: “In uncertain times, like we’re in now, small businesses have shown their ability to adapt and not only continue serving customers but save dozens of jobs along the way. 

“Their size and agile manoeuvring enable them to pause, stop, and go full steam ahead in new directions not only boosting the economy but creating a better future for it.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk