Business Quest and Cygnet Fund competitions
In December 2009, Peter Gadsby, one of the East Midlands' best known and successful business leaders, along with the University launched the Business Quest and Cygnet Fund competitions.
They were aimed at Derby students and graduates who had attended University programmes encouraging entrepreneurship, including SPEED, Enterprise Inc and Start Up and Go.
Business Quest
Business Quest 2010 was aimed at students and graduates who had been trading for at least three months.
Shortlisted contestants were mentored by a senior business expert to refine their business idea and prepare for the final pitch to Peter and his team of judges.
The prize was investment and support from Peter to the value of £20,000.
Cygnet Fund
For applicants who were starting out and hadn't yet launched their business, the Cygnet Fund had a £2,000 prize up for grabs to help get their business ideas off the ground.
The winners
The winers for both competitions were announced at an Award Evening at Pride Park in March 2010.
Watch the video and hear our shortlisted finalists describe the competition.
