Essex Startups: Dragon's Den (Southend)

Are you at the start of your business journey? Would you like to win £500 and receive valuable, constructive feedback from the Essex Startups team on your idea? Then it’s time to test the waters and join us for this session!

What does the process involve?

All you need to do is deliver a 5min pitch (which is followed by 5min Q&A from the judges).

We want you to think about, and be able to answer, the following questions:

• What is the problem you have identified in your market?
• What is your solution? For example, how does your business idea solve the issue? What is your Mission and your Unique Selling Point? (what will make you stand out from your competitors - do you even have competitors?)
• What are the strengths and weaknesses in your business?
• Can you show your business is going to be financially viable? (Where is your revenue coming from? What kind of potential costs are you facing?)
• What will you use the (£500) funding for?

Make the pitch your own and present it however you want. Feel free to put together some presentation slides, or just be your creative self and talk freely – it’s completely up to you. The length of the pitch cannot be longer than 5min.

Finally, please send your presentation to startups@essex.ac.uk by 4pm on 24 November and bring your presentation either on a USB stick or on your laptop. We look forward to seeing you there!

*Please note a pot of up to £500 is available and this event is designed for those who are at the start of their business journey and therefore at ideas stage. If you have already received funding from Essex Startups, you are not eligible for this competition.

Please also note that spaces are limited. Please cancel your booking a minimum of 3 days in advance if you can't attend the event to ensure that other students can then have the opportunity to attend. If you would like to only watch the pitches, please email startups@essex.ac.uk to book as a spectator.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch via startups@essex.ac.uk.