Article by Kwasi for the Surrey Advertiser
I am welcoming 2017 with an air of optimism and looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Spelthorne is a great place to live and work and we are fortunate to have some fantastic businesses looking to employ our residents.
I have been really impressed with the enthusiasm and passion I have seen from Spelthorne’s young people when I have visited local schools and colleges over the last year. There is so much talent and creativity being nurtured in these young people which will ultimately benefit our local businesses and community as they move into the world of work.
We need to embrace these skills and talents and encourage their creativity, which is why I launched the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition a few years ago.
My initiative to hold a competition for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a great idea has grown since its conception in 2013 with some really creative and dynamic winners. The competition is also sponsored by local companies who share my passion for nurturing our home grown talent.
I am really pleased to announce that the 2017 Business Plan Competition has been launched with the final being held 25th May 2017.
Winners will receive a lump sum of £3500 as well as a great package of business support to get their business idea off the ground. There are also second and third prizes for the runners up.
The 2017 competition entry page is now open and anyone who wants to take part can do so by completing a simple form in the website https://www.spelthorne.gov.uk/businesscomp
Every year I am impressed with the quality and diversity of applications that come through the competition and I look forward to seeing what great ideas come in this year.