by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Young entrepreneurs have been offered a last-minute chance to pitch their idea to "dragons."

The Kent Foundation’s third annual search for 18-30 year olds with great business ideas is reaching its climax with a Dragons’ Den-style pitch in Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on March 7.

While around 14 hopefuls from across the county have already attended a workshop to develop their plans and confidence, project leader Grahame Underwood says there is still time for late entrants.

"Last year, we took some into the final who hadn’t been to any workshops," he said.

"There are a lot of entrepreneurs out there who don’t have the confidence or think they are good enough. They see an entrepreneur as an Alan Sugar or Richard Branson with huge personality but that’s not the key."

Although the dragons – all experienced Kent business people, including Adrian Wenn of Clydesdale Bank - will not have any cash to invest like their television counterparts, expert mentoring and bank loans could follow an impressive pitch.

Mr Underwood says there is much more than money to gain.

"They will get the value of the experience and gaining the confidence to make a pitch. They are not just selling a product but also a vision. That’s what people want to buy. If they win, they can take that experience to the bank."

• • Late entrants to The Kent Foundation scheme should contact Mr Underwood on 01622 694341 or emailgrahame.underwood@kent.gov.uk