Friday evening I got a phonecall from Ifwecanyoucan.co.uk, the North East’s social network for entreprenuers (from the founders of the Entrepreneurs Forum). I had entered their annual ‘Challenge’ a few months ago with the idea of iYosh and then went back to the day-to-day stresses of running one business and launching the next.
A very nice lady on the phone told me that the judges were still deciding on who the final five were (for the area covering The Evening Chronicle). However, due to the fact that I had the highest score (boasting totally intended!) I was gauranteed a place in the final.
Obviously I’m over the moon, just to even get the recognition from such a fantastic establishment. So I ended up doing what any person in my position would do… get a new hair cut and a new outfit!
Today I went to meet the judging panel who will decide on the final 2 to go through. So off I went to the Hilton Hotel, all dressed up in my new clothes. It was the first time I’ve ever been. Was very swish! For some reason, the idea of them calling it ‘level minus one’ rather than the ‘basement’ seemed to make me smile inside!
So I met with six entrepreneurs. I pitched my business and then took questions. It went pretty well. They all loved the idea of iYosh (and seemed quite taken with the name!) and provided me with lots of points of interest, such as Sunderland’s software city.
I find out a week on Thursday if I’ve made it into the final two. I would really love to win, but I’m more than happy to be in the top five. So fingers crossed for the next bit!
Emma.
Tags: business awards, entrepreneurs forum, if we can you can challenge, sunderland software city
