All information given on the entry forms will be treated in the strictest confidence. Any information that entrants do not want published etc should be clearly marked.

ENTRY CRITERIA

Open to individuals/companies who have a workable idea for a business which is either not yet set up and/or still at the planning stage.
Among the factors the judges will be looking at will be:
• Sound ideas
• Effort being made to get the business off the ground
• Reasons why the business could be a success
• Business plan and projections
• Why it has something to offer which competitors do not

GENERAL

The judges will make their decisions based on dedication, commitment, proven success and imagination. Financial results will be considered (when given) but will be a secondary factor to those mentioned above.

ELIGIBILITY

All businesses operating within the Sunderland Echo circulation area will be
eligible to enter regardless of size, type of business etc. Employees of
NorthEast Press or any of the associated organisations involved with the event (i.e. judges) are prohibited from entering.
All information given on the application forms will be treated in the strictest
confidence. Any information that entrants do not want published etc should be
clearly marked.
Please note: an overall business of the year will be selected from entries in all
categories. If you wish to add further information to support entry into the
overall business of the year category, please complete the application form.