News & Events

Time Is Running Out For All Would Be Entrepreneurs in Somerset!


Somerset Soup is back for a second year – but time is running out for would be entrepreneurs to get their hands on 1000 of goods and support to help get their dream business off the ground! The deadline for applications is Tuesday 31st July.

SOUP is a not-for-profit, crowd funding event that brings people together to raise small-scale investment to kick-start new businesses (up to 2 years trading) or ideas across Somerset.

We are delighted that Albert Goodman is a new sponsor who joins Somerset Chamber of Commerce and TDA to support the popular SOUP event for a second year designed to help start-up businesses.

Robin Clempson is the Business Development and Marketing Manager for Albert Goodman who says “Albert Goodman has the great pleasure of working with many start-ups across Somerset, so we are delighted to lend our support to Somerset SOUP. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local business to gain valuable financial and business support.”

Ges Green, Somerset Enterprise Centres Manager, said: “TDA and Somerset Enterprise Centres work closely with the small business communities across Somerset and beyond. We see great entrepreneur spirit in the area, which we are pleased to be able to help strive and thrive. Our SOUP initiative is part of this support, giving small businesses and start-ups an opportunity to gain critical investment and attain their goals. We are looking forward to meeting yet more brilliant businesses through the event. We have received applications from a range of diverse of business ideas.”

“Elaine Owen from Timepix was our winner last year who is now running her own, successful small business and the help of SOUP has been significant!”

The winning business will receive a package of Business Support and Advice, provided through one to one business support and mentoring, and access to a range of workshops and events. A year’s free membership of the Chamber of Commerce, to help them raise their profile and become a member of Somerset’s biggest business network; Albert Goodman are providing a year’s licence to cloud accounting. Of course there is also that essential cash prize, when the winning business takes away the money from ticket sales. Albert Goodman are also boosting the cash prize!

A free workshop to assist people with SOUP applications is taking place at Highbridge Enterprise Centre on Thursday 28th June from 10.30-1.30pm. Book your place by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/somerset-soup-free-workshop-nail-your-application-and-win-tickets-47112420518?aff=es2

The SOUP event takes place at 5pm on 27th September at The Red Brick Building in Glastonbury.

We would love to hear from businesses across Somerset, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset interested in pitching their ideas/businesses at SOUP. All we need is completion of the 5 minute online form by visiting www.somerset-enterprise-centres.co.uk/soup where the application can be submitted.

Applications to pitch your business idea close on Tuesday 31st July. Applications after this time will miss out on a not to be missed opportunity!

For more information contact Somerset Enterprise Centres on 01278 550250.