Now in its second year, the platform is open for applications from individuals at any stage of developing a business or product, including students, the self-employed, small business owners, and those in full-time employment.

Three applicants will be chosen to proceed to the Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards Pitching Platform, sponsored by Rik Pancholi, Partner at Nelsons in Leicester. Selected participants will pitch their ideas to attendees at the awards ceremony in April, followed by a live vote from the audience to determine the most compelling proposition.

The victorious participant will gain access to marketing and legal services valued at £10,000, alongside a non-executive board for one year. This board includes Rik Pancholi; Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions; Paul Bevan, Managing Director of Breeze Corporate Finance; and Ian Cooper, Divisional Director at Brewin Dolphin. Additionally, the winner will receive a financial audit conducted by two senior venture capital investment firms, providing valuable insights into the fundraising process.

Kate Allan, last year’s winner and founder of ExpHand Prosthetics, which specialises in producing 3D printed limb prosthetics for children, has since showcased her innovations at The Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement and Africa Health ExCon, following her success at the event.

Rik Pancholi, Partner at Nelsons Leicester, who has sponsored the Pitching Platform, said: “Businesses and entrepreneurs who are at the start of their journey often need guidance and assistance the most but don't always know where to look or have the resources to get the right advice. The Pitching Platform allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of a unique opportunity to gain maximum exposure for their business and the winner has phenomenal ongoing support for the coming year. After having witnessed the success of The Pitching Platform in 2022, I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2023 brings.”

Stefan Fura, Co-founder and Managing Director of headline sponsor Furnley House, said: “The Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards are unique in that they genuinely aim to inspire entrepreneurship by encouraging others to share their struggles and successes in business. The Pitching Platform absolutely exemplifies this philosophy by providing a stage for those in the early phase to share their stories in order to kickstart their business models. Whether they win or not is down to the audience – but just by being up there, they’ve won a huge amount of exposure on the East Midlands business scene.”

Jenny Cross, CEO of Cross Productions, which organises the Real Entrepreneurs’ Awards, said: “Applications from all are welcome. We want our guests to see a broad range of entrepreneurs in front of them, so we’re keen for applications from all stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Our first ever winner, Kate Allan, won because she spotted a problem that real people are facing – around 30 million in fact – analysed the situation and came up with a lasting solution. Her presentation gave me goosebumps and I’m very eager to see our new applicants’ presentations in April.”