Norfolk Enterprise Festival takes place at West Acre

Entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the county will have the chance to come together at an inaugural, free festival at West Acre.

The Norfolk Enterprise Festival has been set up for start-ups and micro businesses to develop a network for the growing entrepreneurial community.

Although it's aimed at business people, it's also planned as a day out for the whole family with a wide range of activities lined up to appeal to all ages.

Visitors will be able to hear from some of Norfolk’s most successful entrepreneurs at a series of talks, participate in workshops and receive feedback from their peers.

There will also be an "Angel's Den", based on the style of TV's Dragons' Den, where three entrepreneurs will be able to pitch for a £10,000 investment. The audience will vote for their favourite candidate.

The festival will also see businesses creating a charter that will be taken to Westminster giving their views on what Norfolk's needs are to drive up economic growth.

The event is the brainchild of local businessman Mark Lapping and George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk.

Mr Lapping said: “Norfolk is a powerhouse of high growth small businesses in all sectors, from technology to tourism, gin to genetics, finance to food, creating jobs and innovative products.

"But the micro and start-up sector needs a stronger voice and all of us in public office or private enterprise need to reach out to show our support.

"We’ve started this Festival to create a forum for the entrepreneurial community to come together and help make sure its voice is properly heard. We believe that the Norfolk Enterprise Festival is the intervention the county needs to take its potential to the next level.”

Chris Starkie, chief executive officer at New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership said: "This event will help to turn great ideas into the successful businesses of tomorrow."

The festival will take place on Saturday, September 22 at Westacre Theatre. Tickets are free but limited, and registration available through the festival’s website http://norfolkenterprisefestival.co.uk/. For more enquiries, or to find out how to get involved, contact the Norfolk Enterprise Festival on admin@norfolkenterprisefestival.co.uk.