So you want to be a top entrepreneur?

Mar 10 2008 by The Journal

TODAY sees the launch of a region-wide campaign set to re-ignite North East England’s entrepreneurial spirit.

‘If we can you can’, a campaign driven by the Entrepreneurs Forum and funded by One NorthEast, aims to actively address the region’s current business shortfall by unlocking the entrepreneurial potential among the general public.

The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ‘Leading the Way’ identified the region’s key challenge as growing the value of its economy to 90% of the UK’s average. To achieve this, the North East’s productivity base needs to be bolstered with 18,500 – 22,000 new VAT registered businesses by 2016, while still encouraging existing businesses to sustain and grow.

With total enterprising activity in North East England estimated at 4.6% of the adult population, well below the UK average of 6.3 %, ‘if we can you can’ aims to stimulate an entrepreneurial culture by inspiring and engaging emerging entrepreneurial talent from all ages and backgrounds.

Paul Callaghan, founding director of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and Chairman of RTC North commented: "Being part of this community will be empowering and inspirational.

"It’s an unbelievable opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experiences of like-minded entrepreneurs across the region."

Today sees the launch of the ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge aimed at any individual who is either; thinking of starting a business; running their own business or looking to grow their existing enterprise.

The region-wide search will offer winners’ the opportunity to become the ‘faces of entrepreneurship 2009.’

The prize package also includes a monthly ‘money can’t buy’ business surgery with some of the region’s leading entrepreneurs, an Iphone, a bespoke business support package worth £2,000 and a sponsored place at Entrepreneurs Forum Annual Conference in May worth £250.

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs Forum, said: "The challenge leaves no doors closed in searching for the future faces of entrepreneurship."

To enter the ‘if we can you can’ challenge visit. www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge

To tell your story or find more about the campaign visit www.ifwecanyou.co.uk