Leading Stockport business centre launches hunt for pioneering low carbon entrepreneurs

Stockport Business and Innovation Centre (SBIC) are launching their next Pioneer 10 competition and are searching for Stockport’s innovative and ambitious businesses who can be true pioneers in the low carbon sector. Focusing this year on reducing our carbon footprint, the team at SBIC is looking for applications from businesses or entrepreneurs that propose solutions, either for themselves, their businesses or their customers.

Aimed at Stockport based businesses and entrepreneurs, participants will receive business advice and guidance delivered in group workshops, shortlisted finalists can expect one-to-one coaching with a focus on business plan development before pitching their ideas to the expert judging panel during a Dragon’s Den style event.

The winning Low Carbon ‘Pioneer 10’ will receive an incredible package which includes - free desk/office space at Stockport Business and Innovation Centre for 12 months; an award of £5,000 to be used for prototype development in collaboration with the local University network; tickets to a business event of choice up to the value of £500, along with support from the Low Carbon Pioneer 10 experts at The Business Growth Hub; Gorvins Solicitors; Clark Nicklin; Kast Energy; Appleyard Lees; Oxford Innovation and Stockport Council.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration agreed: “We’re proud of what SBIC has achieved and the new Low Carbon Pioneer10 programme will provide more businesses with the opportunity to explore new products, services and markets.”

Cllr Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport said: “The competition is wide reaching in terms of who can apply and if development via Pioneer 10 can bring these companies to market successfully, there are clear benefits for the environment, Stockport’s economy and the wider community.”

Tony Corcoran, Incubation Director at SBIC, said: “Low Carbon Pioneer 10 is the perfect platform for people who have all the drive and ambition required and are looking for an effective way to move their game-changing ideas forward.”

Find out more or to join the Low Carbon Pioneer10 programme