Social enterprises will get the chance to pitch to investors and learn about development and funding possibilities under a new Dragons’ Den-style initiative being launched in Brighton and Hove.

The initiative, designed to boost the city’s growing social enterprise sector, is being organised by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, together with The Ideas Factory, Albion in the Community and CVSF.

The competition is opening today ahead of the main Brighton and Hove Social Investment Pitch and Networking event that will take place on 29 November at the American Express Community Stadium.

As many as 100 participants are expected to take part, with social enterprises bidding for funds from around 30 investors and attending inspirational workshops about how to reach funders. 

You can register your interest in the event and find out how to pitch by going to http://www.theideasfactory.com/news-brighton-social-investment-event-2012/.

Some weeks prior to the main event, there will be a training session for 10-12 social enterprises hoping to make a pitch – these will then be narrowed down to a final six to go before the judging panel.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

“Brighton and Hove’s social enterprises work for the good of society rather than simply for profit, and play an influential role in promoting wellbeing in the city.

“The sector is an incredibly important part of our economy, so I’m delighted to be working with Ideas Factory, Albion in the Community and CVSF on this Dragons’ Den-style event to help bring in more funding for local projects.

“By giving social enterprises the opportunity to pitch to high value investors and network with others in the sector, I hope we can  raise the profile of Brighton and Hove as a social enterprise hub and help this exciting and dynamic sector to flourish."

Alan Sanders, joint managing director of Albion in the Community, said:

"The concept of social enterprise is one that sits proudly in line with the community minded work we carry out on a daily basis at Albion in the Community. We fully understand the importance of improving the economy through job creation.

"Now we have the opportunity to support individuals and groups with a socially driven focus through a Dragons Den style initiative in the city of Brighton and Hove.

"Through the expertise and status of Caroline Lucas, The Ideas Factory, CVSF and AITC, the city will entertain cutting edge concepts via the social enterprises that participate."

Jason Kluver, Managing Director of The Ideas Factory, said his organisation was thrilled to be involved in such a ground breaking event for the city.

He said: “In the absence of bank lending, we have been raising funds for various start-ups around the world for the past three years, but we have never had the opportunity to contribute in such a meaningful way to our own city.

“This event will highlight some outstanding organisations and individuals, who contribute to Brighton and Hove on a daily basis; and give them the opportunity to secure much needed funding from social entrepreneurs, to enable them to continue their excellent work.”

Sally Polanski, CVSF Chief Executive, said:

“CVSF is pleased to support this opportunity for social enterprises in the city to realise their creativity and entrepreneurial ambitions.

“This initiative will help community and voluntary organisations access resources and support to achieve even better services for local people and communities in Brighton and Hove.”

ENDS