A COMPETITION with prize packages totalling almost £6,000 for growing enterprises in York is being launched to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Press Business Awards.

The annual awards will this year see a cash prize awarded, with a first place bounty of £5000 up for grabs in the Business Booster competition.

Launched today, the competition sees The Press team up with Business Support York and North Yorkshire for the prize package, with the grant awarded from its Whyte Knight Fund.

Business Support York and North Yorkshire (BSYNY), which offers business support services, will also award a second place prize of a place on its Essential Skills for Small Business Growth programme, worth £595, and a third place prize of three months ‘Advantage’ mentoring, worth £300.

The Business Booster competition invites young businesses in York to pitch for the prizes through an online form on The Press website.

Pitches should showcase the entrepreneurial spirit behind the venture, and detail how £5,000 would make a difference and boost the business.

Judges are keen for businesses to demonstrate a number of criteria, including a pragmatic vision for growth, customer and staff engagement, a clear leadership and management initiative, and an ethical approach to business.

The pitch must explain how the prize would make a difference for the business and customers, and what the prize would be used for.

Mike Everitt, chief executive of BSYNY said: "Here at BSYNY we are committed to facilitating the success of small businesses and we are pleased to be able to partner with York Press who are celebrating 25 years of the York Press Awards.

"I hope this competition will encourage businesses to develop and grow which is the cornerstone of the support we have offered for many years.

"In six years the Whyte Knight Fund has helped many businesses start and grow I look forward to seeing many further examples of great business development in York."

The Whyte Knight fund was originally established through a partnership between BSYNY, City of York Council, Aviva and York Professionals to help new and young businesses to access money where otherwise they may have been unable to gain funds.

It is linked to the Advantage mentoring programme to provide ongoing business advice and support into the future, and is administered by BSYNY.

BSYNY is a not for profit organisation providing business support services to York, Selby, Harrogate and Malton and the wider area of North Yorkshire. With the new addition of Business Skills & Learning training courses it has developed a range of business training programmes to help businesses start and grow.

In addition it delivers a range of services and events providing information, support and guidance to those thinking of starting a business and in their early years.

The Business Booster competition is open to entrepreneurs aged over 18, who are running a start up or small business that is less then three years of age, and located within the City of York Council area.

To enter visit www.nqyd.co.uk/business_booster where pitches of no more than 300 words can be submitted. The closing date is Friday, October 30.

The first place winner will be presented the £5000 prize at the Press Business Awards at York Racecourse on Thursday, November 19.