Budding entrepreneurs looking for support for their business development have been invited to apply for a Nottinghamshire Community Foundation grant.

Local business ‘dragons’ are looking to award successful enterprise ideas with up to £3,000, plus potential investment, to support their business development. The ‘dragons’ include: Alan Hardy, of the Paragon Group; Mark Samworth, of Samworth Brothers; Dr Nik Kotecha, managing director of Morningside Pharmaceuticals; and Chris Taylor, of Smith Cooper Ltd.

Applicants need to be resident in Nottinghamshire, be able to submit a realistic business plan and have a great enterprise idea.

To apply, go to www.nottscf.org.uk/grants/dragons-den

All applications need to be submitted by 9.30am on 7th April.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to present their ideas at the Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club on 21st April.

Nina Dauban, chief executive of the foundation said: “Previous Dragons Dens have led to some great successes, including Uni2 Know Ltd, Easy Preorders Ltd and the Natural Birthing Company Ltd, where dragons were so impressed they invested themselves and offered mentoring support.

“We encourage budding entrepreneurs to apply as they may get a lot more than the grant.”