Caption: Solomons Europe Managing Director Dominic Doig hands over the BECBC Start-up Business Award to winners Red Pike Education
In 2018, we launched the Solomons Europe Entrepreneur Fund in an effort to support start-ups making their first tentative steps into the world of business.
Having been given a helping hand to set up Solomons Europe, practice owners Dominic and Kerry Doig, were eager to #payitforward and support others during this crucial period for entrepreneurs starting their own exciting journeys.
A fund was launched offering start-ups the chance to secure interest-free loans of up to £5,000. They were asked to put forward their business case and explain how the loan would get them on their feet and fuel their growth.
A small number would then be shortlisted to appear in front of a carefully selected panel of professionals from a diverse range of industries to pitch their big idea and demonstrate their entrepreneurial flair.
Shortly after the fund was launched, Solomons was approached by West Cumbrian based business organisation Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) to support its annual awards – a celebration of the achievements of its 300-plus members.
After careful consideration, we went back with a proposal to support a new award for start-ups and young SMEs. Solomons would not only put its name to the award but give the winner a £1,000 prize in addition to the opportunity for the interest-free loan up to £5,000 to help fuel their growth.
The Start-up Business Award was born – now the challenge was deciding the winner.
The expert panel whittled down the scores of entries to two finalists – education consultancy Red Pike Education and first aid training company Little Lifers First Aid.
At a glittering awards ceremony held at Energus, we were delighted to hand over the award to Red Pike Education. And in recognition of their ambition, Solomons also released further funds to support runner-up Little Lifers First Aid.
Solomons continues to work closely with both of the companies and is proud to have given them a helping hand up the first growth rung of the business ladder. Both continue to go from strength-to-strength.