BUSINESSES with bright ideas could be set for a share of £450,000 in a competition run by banking giant Barclays.

The Take One Small Step competition will reward nine regional businesses or individuals from with £50,000 each for their great business ideas.

The competition is open to existing businesses as well as those who simply have a fantastic new idea and the drive to make it happen.

Amanda Shepherd (pictured), Yorkshire regional director of Barclays Business, said: The Take One Small Step competition changes lives. It celebrates people with ambition, passion and most importantly a great business idea, and gives them the cash to help turn their dream into a reality.

The brief is broad. The idea could be a lifelong ambition or a recent brainwave. It could be a personal experience or just a dream. Even a revolutionary concept that changes the world.

This competition is a great opportunity, and I would urge anyone with a great business idea to step forward.

The deadline for entries is April 27, 2011. To enter, go to www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk