A major competition promoting the best of Hounslow’s homegrown business talent is back for another year. The popular Advance for Growth (AFG) initiative!
Published: Wednesday, 18th September 2024
The popular Advance for Growth (AFG) initiative is an annual event that puts the borough’s fledgling businesses centre-stage, recognising emerging talent and encouraging innovation.
A partnership between Hounslow Council, JCDecaux UK, and West London Chambers of Commerce, AFG invites startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs across the borough to compete for a chance to win an exciting package of tailored business support, mentoring, creative advice, and campaign planning.
The prize package also includes a chance for the winner to see their business up-in-lights with a year’s digital advertising on the Council and JCDecaux’s screens across the borough.
To be in with a chance of winning, businesses have to be registered in Hounslow, have been trading for at least a year, have less than 25 staff and have an annual turnover of less than £5m. You can find a full list of the entrance criteria on the Advance for Growth competition webpage.
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “Hounslow is committed to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. The Advance for Growth competition is an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs in our borough to not only showcase their talent but also to receive invaluable support to grow their businesses. Since launching this competition in 2022, we have seen some incredible borough-based businesses enjoy the limelight and continue to flourish and grow.
“We are all extremely excited about seeing this year’s crop of entries and once again celebrating the best in local entrepreneurship. It is initiatives such as this that are helping to make Hounslow a beacon for innovation and will encourage job creation and economic prosperity.”
The previous winners of the AFG prize are:
• Hounslow High Street-based climbing centre Hang picked up the inaugural prize.
• Indian-inspired wellness brand Wild Chai, created by Hounslow sister act Jasmine and Alicia Kharod was last year’s winner.
Chris Collins, Co-Chief Executive Officer of JCDecaux UK said: “We’re delighted to be working with our partners Hounslow Council and West London Chambers of Commerce as we take the Advance for Growth initiative into its third year, supporting local businesses and SMEs through the power of the public screen. Previous winners Hang and Wild Chai each made fantastic use of their prize of Out-of-Home advertising and tailored business guidance to build awareness, scale their brand, and drive business results. They’ve set the bar high, and I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s entrants take their business to the next level.”
Sally Smith, Chief Operating Officer, West London Chambers of Commerce said: We are really pleased to support this exciting initiative for the third year. I believe Wild Chai. gained hugely from winning the competition last year and we have enjoyed working with them over the past year. The front cover of our magazine, which featured Wild Chai looked especially good. Jasmine and Alicia Kharod, the girls who created Wild Chai, also spoke at our International Women’s Day event back in March. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries – good luck!
The competition is open now and businesses have until 5pm on Friday, 18 October to submit their entries.
Winners and runners-up will be announced at the West London Chambers of Commerce Business Awards on 21 November 2024.
To find out more and to enter the competition, visit the Advance for Growth webpage for more information.
