Last month once again, local people across Thurrock were invited to have their business ideas turned into reality, thanks to the latest Thurrock Soup event.
Thurrock Soup events aim to help inspire social enterprise and business ideas from Thurrock residents and offer advice and support in starting a new business and in identifying funding.
Due to current restrictions, we held this event on Zoom, to ensure that it is as much fun as usual we encouraged people to wear their Halloween Costumes, pour themselves a drink of choice and get in the mood.
Usually we provide refreshments and a vote for £5, this time there was already £300 in the ‘Soup Pot’ for the winner so we were off to a flying start.
Over 25 people joined us for the evening, many of whom took us up on the challenge to wear fancy dress!
There were 5 fantastic pitches;
Richard Bonsu- wants to use Music and Media to inspire and encourage young people
Katie Sparks- wants to open a ‘0 waste’ mobile unit
Jim Graham-wants to set up a ‘Mens Shed’ in Elm Road Open Space
Tina Holland-wants to open a Community Café in Grays Town Park
Dannielle Cronin- wants to open a Community Shop in Grays
And the winner is…..Dannielle Cronin, with the great idea to set up a Community Shop in Grays which will help to reduce food waste and help people who are struggling to buy food.
As a postscript, all of those who pitched their ideas on this virtual soup have since applied for and been awarded, further funding from UnLtd in Partnership with Riverside Community Big Local, in total over £12, 000! Well done all.
This event was hosted by Riverside Community Big Local in partnership with Thurrock Council’s Economic Development team and is open to all residents, businesses and voluntary sector organisations in Thurrock.
Do you have a great idea?
Contact; teresa@riversidecommunity.org.uk