Spelthorne Business Plan Competition 2025
About the competition
The Spelthorne Business Plan Competition represents a search for the local business entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Participants are asked to think of a business idea and answer our online question form. The six best entries will then create a business plan to present to our panel of expert judges at a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style final hosted at bp Headquarters in Sunbury.
Prizes
The winner will receive £4000 deposited into a business bank account, and a package of mentoring and support to help them bring their business ideas to life. The first two runners up will also receive monetary prizes of £500 and £250 respectively.
Rules of entry – please read carefully
The competition is open to those who have a business idea and no business experience and to those with existing businesses – neither group will be given an advantage – as long as they meet the criteria below.
- all participants MUST be residents of or currently be in education in the Borough of Spelthorne
- all participants must be aged 16 or over
- the competition can be entered by individuals or in teams (4 people max)
- the competition welcomes plans for new businesses only
- business plans may be submitted for any type of business
- individuals or teams MUST be available to attend IN PERSON, the three workshops offered and the final – see following page for those dates.
How to enter
To enter, simply complete the form, outlining your business idea and complete the agreement and consent section.
The opening date for submission is 17th Feb 2025
The deadline for entering the competition is 14th April 2025.
Schedule
| Date | ||
| 17th Feb | Entry opens | Participants invited to enter the competition |
| 14th April | Entry closes | Deadline for entering the competition |
| 30th April | Finalists announced | The best six entries will be asked for a business plan |
| 6th and 13th May | Presentation Skills Workshops | Spelthorne Business Hub – evening, time tbc |
| 14th May | Business Plan Workshop | Spelthorne Business Hub – evening, time tbc |
| 12th June | Presentation slides deadline | Slides must be submitted for AV preparation |
| 13th June | Business plan deadline | Business plans must be submitted for the judges |
| 26th June | The final | Finalists will present their plans to the panel |
Evaluation criteria
Assessment criteria will be used by judges for fair comparison of participants’ submissions and presentations during the competition.
When evaluating entry forms, the judges will focus on many different issues, including the following:
- the commercial potential of business ideas with high potential, growth-oriented businesses likely to be viewed more favourably
- the innovative nature and technical feasibility of ideas
- the likelihood that the business described can achieve a sustainable and competitive advantage
- the economic viability of the business idea described and the proposed use of financial resources
Detailed judging criteria for the final will be supplied to participants who reach those stages of the competition, closer to the time.
Advice and support: For any assistance or advice please email members@sbf.biz and leave your name, address and telephone number.