A Norfolk council is considering launching a competition which would see a start-up business in Breckland given a fully-paid up business unit for free for a year.

A Norfolk council is considering launching a competition which would see a start-up business in Breckland given a fully-paid up business unit for free for a year.

A second prize would be a free business unit for six months under Breckland Council's competition idea, to be put to the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

If approved the pilot scheme could become an annual competition for three years in the district.

The idea behind it is to promote start-ups and entrepreneurs, who are seen as vital to the future prosperity of the district.

A report to the cabinet also says it will provide “much needed marketing” for the council's commercial property, which is currently 94pc let.

Funding of �30,000 would need to be approved by the cabinet and full council for the project.

A celebrity judge would also be sought for the judging panel, the report says.

“The future prosperity for Breckland depends on new innovative businesses starting up creating wealth and quality jobs within the district,” is adds.

“In these challenging economic times it is vital potential business start ups are encouraged to take the entrepreneurial leap and given the opportunity for their business ideas to be realised.”

The winning business would get a pick of a number of available council-owned properties which they could use for free for 12 months and ongoing support from the economic development team and business support partners of the council.

Cost of a 1,000sq ft starter unit in Breckland is currently about �8,800, including rent, legal costs and deposit, business rates and insurance.

Utilities, contents insurance and other ancilliary costs would still have to be covered by the winner.

If agreed the competition would be launched in March with a presentation event and winner announcement at the end of August/early September.