A Bournemouth florist and coffee shop is one of a handful of small businesses nationwide to be shortlisted for a £25,000 Business Boost grant.
Little Perth, which has stores in Westbourne and Southbourne, is among six finalists for the award from Simply Business, one of the UK’s largest providers of small business insurance.
Returning for its fifth year, the programme will award the cash grant to one deserving entrepreneur, helping them to launch their next big idea or provide crucial support to help them thrive.
More than 17,000 entries were received.
Little Perth co-founders Rohanna Roberts and Jon Roberts said: “At a time when small businesses are being hit hard from all angles, it means the world for Little Perth to be recognised by Simply Business and shortlisted for the Business Boost award.
“The £25,000 prize would give us the ability to ‘hit go’ on our exciting plans for the next chapter of our business, allowing us to grow our team, further our floral delivery routes (in a more sustainable way), and begin to give back to our local communities here in Bournemouth through our Re:Bloom initiative.”
The judges will pick a winner based on criteria including how the business positively impacts society, innovation and practicality of the business’s plan for the prize money.
The judges are also looking for compelling stories that showcase the business’s trials, triumphs, and inspirational moments.
The winner will be announced on 13th December following a decision by a panel of expert judges including entrepreneur Timothy Armoo, Harpreet Kaur, winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, and last year’s winner, Claire Marchais, owner of eco-friendly, low-waste wholefoods store, Fair-Well.
Bea Montoya, UK COO at Simply Business, said: “Supporting our communities’ small businesses has never been more crucial, and we’re honoured to be able to help make a genuine transformational impact for another small business owner this year.
“With almost 20,000 entries, we were deeply moved to hear about the big dreams of small business owners across the country, and it’s clearer than ever that our self-employed community is brimming with passion, drive and resilience.
“Having witnessed the positive impact of our Business Boost initiative for the last four years, we are thrilled to be returning with our £25,000 grant this year and wish the best of luck to the six incredible businesses on the shortlist.”