Chantry Place in Norwich is inviting local entrepreneurs to pitch their start-ups and small businesses for the chance to open their own shop inside the centre for six months - without paying any operating costs.

The Chantry Place Launchpad aims to help entrepreneurs take their first step onto the high street.

Applicants can come from a range of sectors, from retail and craft businesses to services, such as wellbeing or lifestyle.

The final six applicants will have to present their businesses to a judging panel in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch, explaining to the judges why they think they should win.

The panel will include representatives from Chantry Place’s management team, marketing agency OneAgency, and commercial property specialists, Savills.

Two finalists will be shortlisted and invited to trade from a stall within the centre for two days, allowing them to showcase their products or services to thousands of visitors.

Shoppers will then get the chance to vote for their favourite in the Launchpad final, with the public vote helping to decide which business will go on to win the six-month retail space.

Jo Bates, general manager at Chantry Place, said: “Norwich has an incredible community of creative entrepreneurs and independent businesses, and we know that taking the step into a physical shop can be a huge leap for many start-ups.

“With the Chantry Place Launchpad we want to give someone the opportunity to bring their business to life in a real retail environment and introduce their brand to the thousands of visitors who come to the centre every week.

“What does the winner look like? We’d love to find something a bit different for the centre, someone who has poured their passion into their business – and it shows.

“We really are keeping an open mind as to what it might be, and we are so excited to see who applies.”

Applications for the competition close on April 9.

For more information and to apply, visit: chantryplace.co.uk/launchpad

© Eastern Daily Press