Applications now open for businesses to 'Grow with the Show'! 04 Feb

The Lincolnshire Showground and the University of the Lincoln has teamed up for a sixth year running to offer local start-up businesses the opportunity to ‘Grow with the Show’.

The competition – which closes Monday 16 March 2020 invites young entrepreneurs aged 18 – 35 years old to boost their businesses by bagging themselves a free prime exhibition space at the Lincolnshire Show to showcase their product or service to more than 60,000 people in June.

The winning business will receive a £250 cash prize, business mentoring from Sparkhouse at the University of Lincoln, the design of promotional banners from Root Studio and up to £300 towards the print by Ruddocks. Along with the prime exhibitor space at the Lincolnshire Show, the Lincolnshire Showground will also provide promotion for the winning business via the website, social media platforms and PR activity before and during the Show.

Exclusively open to Lincolnshire-based businesses under three-years-old, the initiative has helped provide a number of local start-ups essential exposure for their growing brand. Any kind of talent is welcome whether you're a gardener, baker, potter or entertainer - the sky is the limit!

We caught up with winners of the 2018 Grow with the Show competition, Bottomley Distillers (Pin Gin), who shared their top tips for entering…

What made you apply for Grow with the Show? We were always going to exhibit but as a small business, the support with the prize for winning, was really appealing for us.

What was the best part of your Grow with the Show experience? We love working with the Showground, as we have from the beginning of our journey and the added exposure at the Show was invaluable for us, as it is for any small business.

What advice would you give to people applying for Grow with the Show? Just go for it! It is an experience to be part of the process and you literally have nothing to lose!

2019's Grow with the Show winner was Designed for Dogs, who specialise in making luxury handmade dog beds and blankets using high quality materials. Our runners-up was Sophie Hayward Photography who received £100 and two society guest badges providing free admission to the Lincolnshire Show over the two days and access to the exclusive members’ area.

The closing date is Monday 16 March 2020, with the shortlisted entries invited to the Showground on Friday 17 April. To enter, please click here to complete a short application form to tell us about yourself and your business. Good luck!