Now in its seventh year, HEAT, which stands for Highlighting Entrepreneurship All Together, celebrates the efforts and ideas of local businesses that have been trading for less than a year and supports the economic development of Forth Valley.
The competition attracted over 27 applicants from across the region, with the top 10 businesses progressing to the final to present a three-minute virtual pitch to the panel of ‘dragons.’
Clackmannanshire-based Kairos Chocolate enjoyed the sweet taste of success and was crowned the overall winner. Not just a chocolate making and selling business, the business provides in-work training to young adults with additional support needs.
Vital Spark Racing CIC, a social enterprise devoted to providing young adults with a range of skills through the construction and renovation of powerboats, proved it could handle the heat and came second place.
The Wellbeing Circle CIC, a community hub that has successfully adapted its services to adhere to COVID-19 regulations, was awarded third place, and due to the high quality of applicants, the judges awarded fourth place to Falling Leaf Prints. The sustainable clothing brand uses photography to create unique prints to inspire people to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.
Mandy Campbell, Business Adviser, Business Gateway, said: “These businesses have gone from strength to strength over a short time, and this is even more impressive when you consider the challenges of the past year.
“The judges appreciate the effort required to grow a successful business and the diverse range of applicants shows just how vibrant and existing Forth Valley’s economy is. I look forward to welcoming more applicants and we hope to celebrate in-person at the HEAT22 competition next year.”