E: 16/05 Win £50,000 To Boost Your Business Idea (Effort)

Are you and your business eligible? You need to be 18 or over and a UK resident (excluding Northern Ireland). Your business will need to be registered in the UK.

Make an impact. Stick to the word count, and keep your business idea and plan clear and succinct.

Video pitch. It’s optional, but a two-minute video could make all the difference to your chances.

Protect yourself. Before you enter, make sure you have the necessary protection for your idea and that it doesn’t infringe anyone else’s rights.

Check up. Before your entry goes live it’ll be checked to ensure it complies with the Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition terms and conditions.

Getting support. While it won’t affect whether you’re shortlisted, it’s worth getting supporters on board now, so you’ve got plenty of local backing in time for voting.

Inviting comment. Visitors to the site will be able to support an idea by posting suggestions or encouragement. All comments will be moderated.

Judging. Eligible entries will be judged by region and a shortlist made for the public to vote on.

Voting. It’s one person, one vote.

Photo finish. If there’s a tie, the judges will decide on the winner.