BUSINESSES which have been supported by a county council initiative are invited to apply for its inaugural awards event.

The Enterprising Worcestershire Awards 2019 will celebrate businesses that have been launched and supported through Worcestershire County Council's Enterprising Worcestershire initiative over the last two years.

The awards will recognise various areas of business success through different categories, including Best Start-Up Business, Best High Growth Business and Most Innovative Business.

Enterprising Worcestershire project support officer Ellie Brown said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the region who have accessed our support to be recognised for their achievements.

"Whilst the programme has been instrumental in helping businesses to grow, it is ultimately the businesses themselves and the people behind them that have been the driving force, and these awards aim to celebrate their hard work.

“Shortlisted businesses will be promoted throughout the Worcestershire County Council's 'Open for Business' platform and entered into the 'The People's Choice' award, providing the opportunity for clients and the wider community to share everything that is great about the business."

The deadline for award entries is 5pm on Friday 02 August 2019 and only businesses that have been supported through the Enterprising Worcestershire programme since September 2017 are eligible to enter.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 18 September 2019, to be held at Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel in Bromsgrove.

Businesses who would like to enter the Enterprising Worcestershire Awards 2019 or find out more information can go to www.eiseverywhere.com/website/3800/home/

Enterprising Worcestershire is an ERDF funded programme that provides expert advice, support and access to funding for businesses with the potential for growth.

The programme supports start-up and early stage businesses through a combination of one-to-one support and workshops.