Everyone has a stake in their local economy, and everyone can be an investor too.
The Local Entrepreneur Forum allows everyone to participate. Every year since 2012 we've been bringing the community together – to learn from each other, form new relationships, and support new and scalable enterprises - to create meaningful livelihoods and contribute to the community in positive ways. This is the beating heart of what we call ‘community-supported enterprise’.
The Community of Dragons is the highlight. Its a bit like the Dragons Den TV show but more fun and friendly and everyone's a winner. And the Dragons? They are the every-day folks of our community.
Fancy pitching? See below.
Maybe you can help out in another way, such as joining our event team or selection panel, sponsor the event or mentor one of the aspiring enterprises? Please get in touch.
"Without the support from this event, it would have taken a lot longer to get going and I would have had to take a business loan on not such favourable terms.
It was great that our community was willing to help a local business and 10 years later, I'm still going strong"
Zav Bowden, Dart Valley Timber
You can express an interest at any time of year. We're normally actively seeking applications Feb to March, with a deadline in April, to be ready for an event in May. This can vary year to year.
We will email you information about what is involved, what type of enterprises we can support, what you will need to do to prepare to pitch, and an application form.
All applications are considered by a selection panel 5-8 weeks before the event and four enterprises are invited to pitch. All pitchers are required to attend a 'mock' pitch. We will support you as best we can to help you be the best you can.
We will help you as best we can.
You are not expected to be a polished public speaker.
Anyone with commitment to a great idea is welcome to apply.
We only put people up on stage to succeed. Not like the TV show!
We are volunteers with limited time so can't offer a professional coaching service, but we will help you as best we can.
“Its not just about money.
You get a double return from investing in our community”
LEF Participant and unexpecting investor
