Local residents share off the scale ideas

On Thursday 13 December 2018, 15 local residents including 12 CBH tenants attended our very own version of the Dragons Den to pitch their business ideas.

This inspiring event was organised to mark the fantastic achievements of those who had completed the six week business start-up training programme (STRIVE) run by Enterprise CUBE.

Held at the Holiday Inn Express in Cheltenham, the course graduates were invited to share their ideas to a local judging panel consisting of the following 'Dragons':

• Councillor Peter Jeffries (CBC)
• Elizabeth Weaver (GFirst LEP Business Group Manager)
• David Clowes (CBH Board)
• Maggie Devine (Travis Perkins, Social Value Manager)
• Steve Slater (CBH Executive Director - Finance and Resources)

Once the presentations had finished, a special awards ceremony took place. The budding entrepreneurs were given some sound advice from our 'Dragons' to help them achieve their goal of working for themselves. The 'Dragons' also offered to support and provide further guidance on some of the ideas that were put forward.

The day ended with an inspiring speech from the Mayor of Cheltenham, Bernard Fisher who shared the true story of someone who was able to start up his own business.

Our new group of graduates are not only looking forward to a bright future but are also planning to keep in touch in the new year and support each other in their exciting new ventures.

Our CEO, Paul Stephenson said:

"It was a real honour to be part of this fantastic programme and wonderful to see our residents get the support they need to help them turn their dream of running their own business into a reality.

The standard of business plans put forward were outstanding and I would  like to personally congratulate each of our entrepreneurs on their fantastic achievement. Special thanks must also go to Enterprise CUBE, the Mayor of Cheltenham Bernard Fisher, our 'Dragons' and  to everyone who was involved in the success of this life changing business start-up scheme."