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EMBF NW & Awards The contribution made by black and ethnic minority businesses in the Northwest are invaluable to the economic, social and cultural development of the region. The EMBF NW Awards is designed to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements made by black and ethnic minority entrepreneurs and businesses in the Northwest. From dynamic young entrepreneurs to well-established veterans, these businesses are making a significant impact to the Northwest society.
The EMBF NW awards are designed to highlight, profile and reward the significant contribution made by minority ethnic communities to the Northwest region. The growth of economic, social and cultural development within the Northwest has given rise to the prominence of BME businesses and their influence in achieving and sustaining real growth. These awards will bring to the forefront the immense talent, innovation and ingenuity that exists and to further showcase the very positive elements of cultural diversity that the Northwest is proud to boast. The impact of young people diversifying from traditional routes to explore and excel in new ventures that contribute to the social fabric of society remains a great strength and one which requires acknowledgment and reward.
Following the success of our inaugural event The EMBF NW Awards 2009 will take place on Thursday 12th March 2009 in the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Stadium at Manchester United Football Club, Manchester. This prestigious event will champion Black Minority Ethnic talent from across the Northwest and bring together individuals and businesses from a wide array of fields.
EMBF NW Background The EMBF NW is the key policy advisory and strategic body responsible for the development of sustainable BME business in the Northwest region and has the overarching responsibility for shaping, challenging and informing regional economic and enterprise policy development and practice. The EMBF NW provides strategic leadership and strategic policy advice to key regional decision makers and stakeholders in order to empower Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) businesses to maximise their full potential for the benefit of the region’s economy. EMBF NW strategic partners and stakeholders are NWDA, Business Link Northwest, Job Centre Plus, Learning & Skills Council, Network for Networks and UK Trade & Investment. EMBF NW comprises a number of voluntary board members whose task it is to drive policy making activities and ensure good governance. In this role, the board provides the EMBF NW’s interface with key strategic partners at national and regional level. The EMBF NW board draws upon the expertise of individuals who have a wealth of experience from the private and public sector in BME business issues. The EMBF NW has strong, direct links to the BME business community through its board members and delivery partners. Its thinking and policy development will continue to be shaped and informed by a close affinity to grass roots businesses in the Northwest.
Awards 2009
Award Categories
The EMBF NW Awards are FREE to enter and open to all Black Minority & Ethnic (BME) businesses in the Northwest.
Rising Star Award
Social Enterprise of the Year
If your business has been operating for 2 years or less, why not enter the Rising Star award? Entrants will be asked to provide details of how the company has performed and what its future projections are. You will also be asked to explain the background to the business, the markets it operates in, the business vision and the research that was undertaken when the business was in development. By doing so you could receive the reward you deserve for successfully setting up your business.
Awarded to an organisation set up in the community by the community and for the benefit of the community. This award is given to a business that was set up to address a community need and subsequently has shown outstanding success in meeting that need.
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Key Judging Criteria ●
Key Judging Criteria ● ● ● ● ●
Innovative and creative in forming the business idea A sound understanding of their market sector Substantial growth and innovation in its market sector Strong potential for sustainability and future growth
Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year Youth, vitality and ambition are important in every business. This award is for the young male or female entrepreneur aged 25 years or less that has shown outstanding vision, commitment and drive in running a business. >
Key Judging Criteria ● ● ●
Aged 25 years or less on 1st January 2008 Outstanding business success in chosen market(s) Showing great potential for future business success
Achievement in International Business Recognising the strength of British Business overseas this new category focuses on International Trade asking for details of research used, challenges identified and how your business has adapted to those challenges. As the global economy becomes increasingly important this is the perfect category to show how you stand out in the International arena. >
Key Judging Criteria ● ● ●
Evidence of addressing global challenges and exploiting new international opportunities Ability to understand international border bureaucracy and processes Significant growth in global market share
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Community need identified as the cause of business start-up Third sector ethos evidenced in the business plan All profits re-invested back into the community
Entrepreneur of the Year This is the award for an individual male or female who has been instrumental in the success of a business. It will take into consideration the overall performance of the business over the last three years, what the entrepreneur believes makes them different, how they are going to steer their business through the current economic downturn and generally their vision for the future of the business. It could be someone who has the ability to be innovative and creative to spot opportunities from the current economic situation. So if you stand out from the crowd and think you've got what it takes to be Entrepreneur of the Year, enter now!
Northwest Business of the Year This is a special discretionary award given to a company who the judges feel have achieved that little bit extra in business and can demonstrates all-round excellence. This extra-ordinary achievement could be in business growth, business turnover, number of new people employed, business diversification, spotting new opportunities, demonstrating special business acumen or having that special individual quality. This winning company stands head and shoulders above the rest in the business field and has that ‘je ne sais quoi’.
How to Enter To enter for an award:
Deadline for entries:
Complete the form and send to: EMBF NW, Renaissance House, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1XB
Is 12 noon Monday 26th January 2009. Submissions received after this time will not be accepted.
or alternatively complete the form on-line that can be found on the following link: www.embfawards.co.uk * ‘Interactive Audience Polling’ - Award attendees can vote a for winner from the Judges shortlist via an electronic keypad.
Awards 2009 application form
Awards 2009 application form