ASPIRING Richard Bransons toiling away in their garden shed or back bedroom are being invited to take part in a version of Dragons' Den in the hope of boosting businesses in Breckland.

ASPIRING Richard Bransons toiling away in their garden shed or back bedroom are being invited to take part in a version of Dragons' Den in the hope of boosting businesses in Breckland.

Brecks' Dragons' Den is being launched to find potential start-up firms which could go far with the help of a boost in funding - in the form of a free council business unit - and training.

Trevor Holden, chief executive of Breckland Council, which is running the competition, said: 'The future prosperity of Breckland depends on new, innovative businesses starting up, creating wealth and quality jobs, within the district.

'In these challenging economic times it is vital potential business start-ups are encouraged to take the entrepreneurial leap and given the opportunity for their business ideas to be realised.'

Firms have until July 16 to enter the competition. A finalists list will be drawn up by October when a Dragons' Den-style event will be held to find the top talent.

The winning prize is a Breckland Council-owned business unit paid for 12 months, including rent and rates.

'In selecting the winners, the judges will not necessarily be looking for the most innovative business or the business with the potential to generate the highest profit,' said Mr Holden.

Judges will be looking for creativity, a well thought-out business plan, market awareness, commitment and saleability of the product or service on offer.

They also want to see innovation, risk analysis, budgeting, market testing, use of e-commerce, determination to succeed and the option to look at potential foreign markets.

Second prize will be a unit for six months and there will also be IT equipment, professional logo design, training and more.

The business units will be from a choice of the council's available commercial property which can be viewed at www.breckland.gov.uk/businessproperty

All finalists will also receive ongoing business support.

For more information contact brecksdragonsden@breckland.gov.uk or visit website www.brecksdragonsden.co.uk for further information.