Seed Fund looking to help new food and drink businesses

If you're running or thinking about starting a small food and drink business, this competition could be well worth entering.

Are you the owner of a small start-up food and drink business looking for your big break? The Seed Fund annual competition might be just what you’re looking for.

The fourth annual search to find the next entrepreneurial stars of the food and drink industry is now open.

And competitors will be in good hands should they win as the Seed Fund nurtures small and start-up food and drink services to help them grow into a success.

It’s open to anyone who’s been trading for under four years, from inspired individuals with big dreams to small food businesses ready to grow, plus any small producers who've won a Great Taste Award in the previous year.

Adam’s Raw Chocolate won the competition in 2016.

The prize

The winner will receive support alongside brand development for their business, including communications resources and development from Bristol-based design and marketing consultancy The Collaborators, who founded the competition in 2014, as well as on-going advice from mentors and experts within the industry.

How does it work?

Over 30 industry professionals and business leaders can offer support and mentoring to hopefuls across the UK through the Seed Fund. 

Twelve shortlisted companies, revealed at the end of March, will move on to The Seed Fund Academy – which is held over a number of days during the summer months, where they can attend one-to-one sessions with mentors, plus seminars, industry visits, workshops and meet the buyer events.

In September, one winner will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Awards Dinner, where they will receive a further year of support worth over £100,000.

The Seed Fund will be open for entry from Wednesday 1 February until Thursday 16 March. To apply, visit www.theseedfund.co.uk. For information about ways to support The Seed Fund, including sponsorship opportunities, email info@theseedfund.co.uk.

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