With less than a few days to enter Liverpool Loves Business’ inaugural pitching competition, organisers have announced details of an exclusive business support package up for grabs.

The Bigger Pitcher is being presented in association with Orb CIC and business accelerator programme, Spark Up. It has joined forces with local businesses and networks to give entrepreneurs from across the city region the chance to compete for up to £5,000 worth of prize money and business support.

Entrepreneurs can enter one of four categories – Spark Up, Start Up, Growth, and Social Value. Each category features prizes to help develop and grow the winning enterprises.

Those entering the Growth category will have a chance to win an exclusive business support package, which has been put together with the help of some of Liverpool’s biggest business names.

It includes one year’s membership with Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce, one day’s mentoring from Chris Nisbet of SEIS Match and a full PR audit with strategy and consultation work from BIG Partnership.

To enter into the Growth category, your business must demonstrate it has the capability of growth and employment of local people within the Liverpool City Region. The four businesses which showcase the biggest opportunities of doing so will be selected to pitch on August 4th.

The deadline to participate in any of the four categories of The Bigger Pitcher is Thursday 30 June.

Jenny Stewart, CEO of Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce and founder of Spark up, said:

“I am delighted that both Spark Up and the Chamber are able to support the inaugural The Bigger Pitcher event with Liverpool Loves Business. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vast entrepreneurial talent that exists within the City Region.

“Small businesses are a vital part of our economy which is why it is important to support them in every way we can. It is paramount for support organisations to work together to provide the best service to help our entrepreneurs to scale and grow.

“The Bigger Pitcher will provide this platform, while bringing together the best talent in the business community.”

The Bigger Pitcher will be hosted by Paul Corcoran, managing director at Agent Marketing. He will be joined by an expert panels of judges who include, Adam Gillett, Senior Business Development Manager of the UK’s leading Crowdfunding site CrowdCube (North); Chris Nisbet, Founder/Director of start-up funding connectors SEIS Match; and Diane Cannon, North West Director of the Business Shaper Group.

Liverpool Loves Business will take place between 9am and 5pm on Thursday 4 August at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pier Head Liverpool.

In addition to The Bigger Pitcher competition the event will feature a full programme throughout the day, including guest speakers, one-to-one business advice clinics, networking sessions, and two stages offering seminars covering a diverse range of topics.

Liverpool City Region businesses are invited to enter The Bigger Pitcher, email info@liverpoolloves.co.uk  for an application pack or visit www.liverpoolloves.co.uk/business  for further information. The deadline for entries is Thursday 30 June.