As part of Virgin Money’s start-up loans scheme launched yesterday , young entrepreneurs have the chance to promote their business as a sponsor of Newcastle United during a home game against Liverpool in April.
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Money has joined with Virgin Unite, The Northern Rock Foundation (NRF) and Project North East (PNE) to hand out start-up loans for young aspiring business people.
The Government is providing funding of £1m over the next 12 months aimed at young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 24. It is expected the loan size will be between £250 and £25,000, with an average of around £5,000.
A panel will shortlist what they consider to be the most exciting business prospects from the list of start-ups that have successfully won a loan under Virgin’s start-up scheme.
The shortlisted entrepreneurs will then be given the chance to pitch their businesses to the people of the North East, via digital media channels.
The public can then cast their vote and the business with the most votes will see their fledgling business promoted as a match-day sponsor of Newcastle United.
The winner will have access to a range of sponsorship opportunities, including pitch-side advertising, an advert in the match-day programme and a promotional photo-opportunity with the players at the home game against Liverpool.
The opportunity was unveiled at Virgin Money’s Gosforth headquarters by Newcastle United’s captain Fabricio Coloccini and team mate Shane Ferguson as part of the launch of the start-up loan scheme.