2009 Entrepreneur Awards Launched

Steve Morgan has launched The Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards 2009 with over £100,000 of cash prizes and services on offer to the winners. Now in their third year, the Awards are open to charities, social enterprises, businesses and entrepreneurs from Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire, North Wales and the Wolverhampton area.

Overall, there are six categories and 16 cash prizes to be won plus a package of valuable professional services, including free banking advice from the main sponsor Barclays Commercial Bank.

Speaking at the launch, Steve Morgan OBE said, “I’m confident that, despite the current economic climate, the entries for the Awards are going to be better than ever. It’s in tough times that entrepreneurship really comes to the fore. We are looking for businesses and individuals who have got a sound plan and the grit and determination to make it succeed.

“Last year’s winners and runners-up are a fantastic example. They’ve said that just getting to the final stages of the competition boosted their confidence, while the prize money has been put to good use and really made a difference to their organisations.” 

Designed to encourage a whole new generation of entrepreneurial role models, the Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards include two categories aimed specifically at charities and social enterprises.

“Through the charities that the Morgan Foundation supports, we know that fund-raising is getting increasingly difficult,” explains Steve. “In order to survive and continue working for their communities, many are becoming more innovative and entrepreneurial in their approach. These Awards recognise and reward not-for-profit organisations and the individuals who work for them.” 

The Awards are free to enter and it’s simple to apply. They open on 25^th June 2009 and entrants have until 10^th September 2009 to submit their applications. A panel of independent business leaders and experts will select the finalists, who will then have the opportunity to present in person at the final judging in October. The winners and runners-up will be announced at a gala Awards Dinner at the Carden Park Hotel on 19^th November 2009.