LAUNCHING a new business is one of the boldest challenges an individual can take on.

It is also a leap that can bring pressure, uncertainty and sleepless nights, even if it is rewarded with success in the end..

That’s why there are two South Coast Business Awards devoted to new businesses and entrepreneurs.

The South Coast Business Awards are organised in partnership by the Daily Echo in conjunction with Business South and Destination Southampton and are open to all businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by others.

Our Best New Business award recognises a business started within the past two years whose success so far has set the ground work for the business to grow.

Do you know a business like this? If so, you can nominate them. The judges are looking for a clearly conveyed business idea and specific achievements.

Our Entrepreneur award will be presented to an exceptional individual who has identified a market opportunity and built an outstanding business around it.

Do you know someone like this? The judges are looking for Innovation with a clear vision of where they want to take their business in the future.

Once received, the nominations will be considered by our judging panel.

The judges will be looking to announce the three finalists in each category in the Daily Echo.

All three category finalists, plus one guest each, will be invited to join their category sponsors at the awards ceremony at St Mary’s Stadium on Thursday July 11, where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will receive £250 of advertising in the Daily Echo or on dailyecho.co.uk and will also be featured in the category winners’ coverage in the Daily Echo or on dailyecho.co.uk.

Or, you may know someone who you could nominate for one of our other awards:

The categories are:

  • Small Business Award
  • Mid-Large Business Award
  • Innovation Excellence Award
  • Business Leader Award
  • Service Excellence Award
  • Employer of the Year Award
  • Best Use of Technology
  • Service Excellence
  • The overall winner, Business of the Year, sponsored by Dutton Gregory, will be chosen from all the shortlisted entries.

Enter online at dailyecho.co.uk/awards.

Alternatively, email 100-250 words to scbawards@localiq.co.uk

The category, name, address, website, contact name and telephone number must be submitted with each nomination.

Closing date for nominations is June 3, 2019.

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply.

Please visit www.newsquest.co.uk/prize-competition-rules/ for full details. The £250 multi-media advertising prize will be valid for use until December 31 2019.