Four businesses to compete for £6,000 prize

The finalists for the first ever Launch Somerset event have been announced, ahead of the live event taking place on Thursday 19th September at Company Spaces, Taunton.

Launch gives new enterprises an opportunity to pitch their business and get a real boost – think Dragons Den without the Dragons.

Over 100 Somerset based start-ups entered to pitch their businesses, but only four made it through as finalists. The four lucky businesses were 360 South West, Rainshader, Somerset Escargot and Tiny Giant. They will be competing against each other, delivering a four minute pitch to win votes and investment from the delegates at the event.

Launch has attracted an impressive amalgamation of sponsors including TDA, Albert Goodman, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Foundations, Company Spaces, Cosmic, Consilium HR, Level Up, Red Berry Recruitment, Stokes Partners and Teapot Creative. The prizes up for grabs total over £6,000 and include a year’s membership to the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and £1,000 worth of work from Teapot Creative.

Ges Green, Operations Manager at Business Centres South West, TDA, says: “TDA works closely with the small business communities across Somerset and beyond. We see great entrepreneur spirit in the area, which we are pleased to be able to support and encourage. Our Launch initiative is part of this support, giving small businesses and start-ups an opportunity to gain critical investment and attain their goals.”

“We can’t wait to see the businesses pitch. The standard is so high we’ll have a tough job on the night to decide the winner.”

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development, said: “Launching your own business can be daunting and gaining support and advice from peers is really useful. This is a great opportunity to hear from people who have already been through that experience, as well as making invaluable connections.”

Find out more about the businesses pitching at Launch via www.somerset-enterprise-centres.co.uk/launch-somerset

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