Preston entrepreneurs could get major backing from city start-up centre

Hot desk space within Cotton Court forms part of the prize

Budding entrepreneurs in Preston are being asked to pitch their business ideas to win £20,000 worth of support.

Cotton Court, a hot-desking and business centre in Preston city centre, has teamed up with ticketing firm Vibe Group to offer the prize.

A 12-month package is on offer for the winning entrepreneur with hot desk space, marketing and design support, mentoring and more to give the business the launchpad it needs.

Managing director at Cotton Court Robert Binns said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a local business to follow in the footsteps of previous Cotton Court start-ups, including, Vibe Group, a business now a multi-million pound business with offices in Lancashire and London.

“Cotton Court has been helping start-ups establish and grow for over a decade. This competition will give both start-ups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to access the excellent facilities and packages here at Cotton Court for free over a 12 month period, giving them the space and support to rapidly grow.”

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to record an elevator pitch video about their business idea.

Ten of these will then be put onto the Cotton Court social media for voting and judged by a panel.

The top three then go through to an expert panel at Cotton Court to pitch their ideas in a Dragon’s Den style event.

Chief executive of Vibe Group and Preston entrepreneur Luke Massie said: “As an entrepreneur, you are a product of your environment so it’s important to surround yourself with people with similar goals, ambitions and drive.

“I started out on a desk at Cotton Court and now have offices in Lancashire and London.”

How to enter the competition

You can sign up via the Cotton Court website.