Leeds Council - Lion's Den
Based on the TV programme Dragon’s Den, Leeds and its South African partner Durban jointly created their own entrepreneurs’ competition providing start up funding and support for struggling small businesses in Durban. The project, funded by a group of Leeds sponsors, was designed to bypass the normal bureaucratic obstacles that deter small businesses by directly financing companies with small grants.
The 3 winning companies successfully convinced the judging panel of their endeavour, ideas and ability to incorporate professional business methods into their micro business projects. They will now receive ongoing support from a mentor and 50,000 rand (approximately £3,300) to be awarded in September.
The project is in its second phase after a first successful round which saw one winner, artist Sifiso Ngcobo, travel to Leeds and London this July to promote his work. Formerly a struggling artist from the Durban township of Umlazi, Sifiso collected his award last September and is now forming contacts with distributors in the UK as well as South Africa.
Lion’s Den is the result of the ongoing work between the two cities which has looked in particular at improving economic development in Durban. The partnership, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, remains one of the most successful north-south city relationships.