Entrepreneurs with ideas for setting up their own business are being invited to pitch for a grant of up to £3,000 at a Dragons Den-style event.

Among the panel of business leaders will be Krisi Smith, who won a similar event 10 years ago with plans for Bluebird Tea Company.

Co-founder and owner Krisi said the business has since won many awards and, now known as Bird & Blend Tea Co, has 17 stores around the UK.

Krisi, who set up the business with Mike Bird, said: “10 years ago we were given great encouragement and a cash grant, which enabled us to enter the top nationwide awards for food and drink, and we won the highest level of awards you can get in the UK! I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and this is a great opportunity for me to give back and help start-ups who have amazing business ideas and really believe in what they’re doing.”

Local dragons dens are organised by Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, an independent charity based in Mansfield that encourages and supports philanthropy.

Chief executive Nina Dauban said: “We are thrilled to have one of our previous winners sit on the panel as a new dragon. We use the term dragon so people understand the concept, but they are really angels.

“It is wonderful to see our successful business leaders fight to become the kindest and most helpful on the panel. Winners not only get a bit of cash, but they get lots of help, advice, and gifts in kind.”

The next den is set for early 2024 and applications should be made at www.nottscf.org.uk/grant/angels-den-2024 before 22nd January.

If you are between 18 and 30 and would like a new business start-up grant without attending a dragons den, other enterprise scheme help is available at www.nottscf.org.uk/grant/swef-grant-programme

For information and free advice about setting up an individual charitable fund as a company or family go to www.nottscf.org.uk or email [email protected]