Two vie for entrepreneur crown

May 16 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

TWO entrepreneurs are looking for public support as they go head to head in the final of the If We Can, You Can challenge.

Greg Phillips, who set up the North East Bakery in 2004, and Anh Mao, who founded dress making company Mao Couture, are bidding to be crowned the North East’s face of entrepreneurship 2009.

They were chosen as finalists in the competition, which attracted more than 120 entrants from across the region, by a panel which included Business Link North East and leading North East entrepreneurs.

Carole Beverley, of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “The response to this competition is a testament to North East England’s entrepreneurial spirit. The sheer number and overall standard of entrants has surpassed all expectations, making our job of picking the finalists a challenge in itself.

“The panel considered each entrant’s entrepreneurial journey, their determination to succeed and the challenges they have faced along the way as selection criteria.

“The chosen finalists demonstrate the true spirit of entrepreneurialism in the North East and will no doubt be a source of inspiration to anyone in the region considering taking the leap and going it alone.” The finalists will chronicle their progress through their online profiles and blog pages at www.ifwecanyoucan/challenge.

Members of the public are encouraged to log on to find out about Anh and Greg’s ups and downs over the next four weeks and to cast their vote.

Further information on how to vote is available at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk

The winner of the competition, who will be announced on June 12, will receive a business surgery with top entrepreneurs, an iPhone and a £2,000 business support package.