e-factor aims to inspire enterprise across North East Lincolnshire and provides support and encouragement to individuals who believe that self-employment and enterprise offer them real opportunities to achieve personal dreams and aspirations.

e-factor are running the “It Could Be You” competition to find local people who think they could run their own business.
Do you think you have got what it takes?

About the competition

Everyone who enters will receive the usual e-factor support to look at developing their ideas.

In March 2010, 25 semi-finalists will be chosen to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and 6 finalists will win a special package of support and opportunities (from marketing support and workshops to free publicity and other freebies). Later in the year a winner will be chosen.

All you have to do is tell e factor what’s so special about you or your idea in no more than 500 words!

The judges will be looking for special people who have good reasons to make a success of things, with a business idea. They would welcome entries from people who may not necessarily know much about business, maybe with a loose idea of the business they want to start up, but who are committed and ready to make a change.

To qualify for judging for semi-finals, entrants will be invited to attend a meeting with an Enterprise Coach if they haven’t already met one.

Semi-finalists and finalists must be happy to take part in various workshops and publicity opportunities as part of the support.

The closing date is noon on 12th February 2010.

Who can enter?

• Over 18s who live within the boundaries of North East Lincolnshire
• People who haven’t started up in business (or trading) by the closing date of 12th February 2010 (If you have run a business in the past, this wouldn’t exclude you from entering).

How to enter

You can enter the competition;

• at e-factor events and roadshows
• submit your entry online to
• by ringing 0800 9520181 to request an entry form which you can post to the address below
• to download an entry form from >>>>>>HERE<<<<<< and return it to our e-factor centre on Crosland Road, Willows Estate, Grimsby DN37 9DS (for your entry form or to hand entries in).

Judges will choose semi-finalists and finalists on merit, taking into account a number of factors and judges’ decisions will be final. The organisers reserve the right to decline an entry without stating a reason. Prizes are not negotiable and no cash alternative will be offered. This information on this publicity constitutes the rules and conditions of entry.