The Advance for Growth competition for small businesses returns for a second year
Published: Monday, 4th September 2023
Small businesses based in Hounslow will once again have the chance to win free digital poster advertising space across the borough as the Advance for Growth competition returns for a second year.
Launched last year by the Council in partnership with JCDecaux UK and West London Chambers of Commerce, the competition will equip one business with the tools and expertise to substantially scale, and build a strong, recognisable brand.
The winning business will receive access to the Council’s and JCDecaux’s prestigious digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising estate across the borough throughout 2024. This includes the digital advertising sites such as Council bus shelters and digital billboards. Two runners up will also receive business support from the Council and a one-year free subscription to the Chamber of Commerce.
Last year’s winners, local climbing centre Hang, had the opportunity to promote their business to residents and visitors of Hounslow with a range of creative campaigns to encourage new customers to use their services.
Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council said:
“We are lucky in Hounslow to have a diverse business community, as a Council we want to help ensure the borough remains a place where they can thrive and continue to invest, benefiting the community and local economy.
“By working closely with our local partners Advance for Growth presents a unique challenge to businesses to showcase how they’ll utilise this once in a lifetime prize. It not only provides the winning business with free access to premium advertising space seen by thousands, but also unlocks tailored support and guidance to help their business thrive in Hounslow and beyond.”
“It was fantastic to work alongside last year’s winner Hang. supporting them to enhance their business plans to increase their customers, especially amongst local residents looking for new ways to be active and maximise their eye-catching adverting campaign on the Council’s and JCDecaux’s Out-of-Home network. I can’t wait to see the entries this year.”
Chris Collins, CO-CEO, JCDecaux UK said:
“As the competition returns for the second year, we are delighted to be helping more local Hounslow businesses scale and grow through the power of the public screen of Out-of-Home. Last year’s winner Hang successfully used their prize of Out-of-Home advertising to build their brand, create fame and drive results for their business. I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s entrants, working with our partners Hounslow Council and West London Chambers of Commerce on this exciting initiative.”
Sally Smith, COO, West London Chambers of Commerce said: we are really pleased to support this exciting initiative again. I believe hang. gained hugely from winning the inaugural competition and we have enjoyed working with them over the past year. The front cover of our magazine, which featured hang. looked especially good. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries – good luck!
The winning business will also receive access to tailored business support from the Council, creative campaign support from JCDecaux and one year’s free membership to West London Chambers of Commerce, a front cover of the business magazine Let’s Talk Business and access to a network of local businesses and industry leaders from the Chamber of Commerce.
The competition is open to small and medium businesses located in Hounslow. Businesses can apply by completing the application form online and telling us why their business is ready to take this incredible step to scale and grow.
Closing date for entries is Monday, 23 October at 5pm. The winner will be announced on 23 November 2023 at the West London Chambers of Commerce 2022/23 Business Awards.
Find out more and enter by visiting www.hounslow.gov.uk/advanceforgrowth
