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Entrepreneur Academy Final 2016

East Surrey College hosted the final of the fourth Entrepreneur Academy on Thursday 18 November 2016. The Entrepreneur Academy was originally set up by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, in partnership with East Surrey College to support local entrepreneurs thinking of starting and developing their own business within the borough.

The eight members of the Academy pitched their ideas to a panel of Dragons to compete for a £5,000 investment grant provided by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council. As the talent was high again this year the grant was shared between two successful businesses.

Following an impressive pitch to the Dragons the winner of the 2016 Entrepreneur Academy was Frances Black of FlaVit who was awarded £4,000 towards developing her business. FlaVit produces seasoning from wild Hebridean seaweed and has recently developed a range of seaweed crackers to supply to health food shops.

The Runner-up was Nazanin Nankali of PowerTutors UK. Nazanin was awarded £1,000 towards her business, which offers private tutoring both at home and online. 

Simon Bland, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said:

“The Entrepreneur Academy is the ideal opportunity for anyone who is looking for expert support and advice to get their own business started. Since the Academy started, many members have gone on to launch successful businesses. The business ideas pitched to the Dragons this year were again of a high quality and it was a difficult choice to select the winner.”

Pictured above: The 2016 Entrepreneur Academy Winner and Runner-up with the Dragons. L-R: Nazanin Nankali (Runner-up); Dragons Brian Woods, Rosemary French OBE and Matt Turner; Frances Black (Winner)