Pendle SOUP to launch in March

A Pendle business coach is amongst the co-founders of Pendle SOUP, an event where volunteer community groups and budding local entrepreneurs will be able to pitch new ideas and win funding for their projects and businesses.

Co-founder, Dave Smith, says the idea is based on the popular US concept, Detroit SOUP, which provides micro-grants to organisations and small start-up businesses wanting to regenerate their community.

He said: “We are organising the first event on the 23rd of March at the Cotton Tree pub in Winewall, near Trawden. They are supporting the event by providing both the use of the venue and the food. We want people to pay a minimum of £5 for entry, which will entitle them to soup and bread and the right to vote for the best idea that is pitched on the night.

“The main criteria is that the event and the ideas that are pitched support the Pendle community. Our motivation was triggered by recent cuts to the welfare budget and a desire to give something back to our community. We expect our first event will largely be relevant to the people of Colne and surrounding villages, but hope the idea will spread around the borough.

“Obviously, somebody will pitch to win the money raised from the entrance fees, but it would be great for any local businesses to support us and add to the pot!