Challenge 2010 Finalists are revealed

Wow – what a tough job our judges had across the region!

But all made worthwhile because we got to meet some amazing people at the 'Pick Our Brains' Opportunity Panels and have some great discussions about their ideas and businesses. We hope everyone who took part took away some valuable food for thought and maybe even a few actions.

Thanks again to our judges. We’re planning to hold some none-competitive panels so please let us know if you’d like to get involved in the future – on either side of the table!

To find out who the finalists are, please visit www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge

Don’t forget that you can vote in all seven media regions – and voting is simple. All you need to do is either email your selections to Stephen or text 07624 803 199.
(Voting closes at 12 midnight on June 13th - and no multiple votes please!!!)

We’ve set up blogs and twitter accounts for all of the finalists – and even though some are new to the world of social media there are already some great posts. You can access their blogs through the Challenge page.

So good luck everyone! And please tell your friends, family and colleagues about these 14 inspirational entrepreneurs – let’s make this as viral as possible and make sure as many people as possible in the region and beyond (we’ve had votes from all over the world) know about the great things that are happening in the North East.

Rules on voting

Hi everyone,

Hope you're all enjoying reading about our fantastic finalists (and their often humerous blogging!)

We just wanted to make clear that we can only accept one vote per person for both text and email voting (you can vote for as many finalists as you like, but your vote for each will only be counted once), so therefore multiple texts and emails for one person we won't be able to accept.

Voting will close promptly at midnight on the 13th of June.

Please accept our humble apoligies for not making this as clear as it should have been

The IWCYC team

All 'Rural' Challenge enquiries this way

For a number of reasons, we have had to delay the North East's 'Rural Entrepreneur of the Year' which is part of the If we can, you can Challenge by two months. So you can still enter for this award and be in with a chance of being crowned the 'Rural Face of Entrepreneurship 2011' if you are based in a rural part of the North East. Entries will close at midnight on the 3rd July and you can enter if you are thinking about starting a business, in the beginning phases of setting one up, or if you are an established business and are looking to grow and take your business in a new direction.

Unfortunately you cannot enter online for this award, but if you would like some more information and a copy of the entry form, please email hazel@entrepreneursforum.net or call 0191 2267491 to chat to us.

Best wishes,

The If we can, you can team