SMALL companies and social enterprises across Dudley borough are being given the chance to win £1,000 of advice during Dudley Council’s Small Business Week.

Running from Monday, November 28, to Friday, December 2, the week sees the local authority teaming up with experienced business owners and consultants to offer Dragon’s Den-type events, hungry for new or existing organisations' pitches.

As part of Small Business Saturday, the ‘Ideas and Innovation Dens’ are aimed at people with new ideas for products, looking to set up a new business, or those considering expanding or changing the direction of their existing one.

Everyone who pitches will receive immediate advice on viability, strategy, tactics and possible networking opportunities, but some organisations will be selected to gain extra publicity, with one winner receiving a further £1,000 of further in-depth business advice.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “This year we decided to take a highly practical approach to Small Business Saturday by adding real value to small businesses and potential businesses in the borough.

“The event is free to enter and I hope that entrepreneurs will recognise the opportunities that are on offer through this approach and bid to take part.”

One of the business experts taking part in Small Business Week - and a brainchild behind the idea - is Steve Parker, of ICD International Company Development.

Co-ordinated by the council’s Business Starts Here team, Steve will be joined by business advisers from Access 2 Business, Sweda and the Prince’s Trust at the event.

The Small Business Dens are taking place from 10am until 1pm at various venues across the borough, including Halesowen Library on Monday, November 28, Dudley Library on Tuesday, November 29, Savoy Centre in Netherton on Wednesday, November 30, Brierley Hill Library on Thursday, December 1, and Stourbridge Library –on Friday, December 2.

Businesses can book a slot, on a first-come first-served basis, through eventbrite.co.uk before Friday (November 18).