Last week a mysterious video of Richard Branson was released by Virgin Media Business declaring that he would be making a big announcement on Channel 4 and ITV News. Well just this evening, the Virgin Group founder made his big reveal and it certainly didn’t disappoint…

Richard Branson has officially launched Virgin Media Business’ nationwide competition, #VOOM: Pitch to Rich 2015, a competition to find and support Britain’s brightest businesses with an unprecedented £1million prize fund up for grabs.

And we’re delighted to be one of the key Pitch to Rich partners! Virgin have teamed up with Eventbrite to provide support for Pitch to Rich events across the country, as well as delivering great advice to entrepreneurs and small businesses from our blog.

To learn more about these events and get the latest Pitch to Rich news and advice, check out our dedicated page.

The competition is the latest Virgin Media Business initiative to support small, growing UK businesses and winners in each of the three categories available will be chosen by the Virgin founder, along with a prestigious team of judges, in a live final on the 26th June:

Start-Up: For exciting new businesses with huge potential.
The winner gets £150,000 marketing support plus mentoring and help from Virgin StartUp’s professional business advisers for a year. Two runners-up receive £50,000 marketing support.

New Things: For big new ideas with the capacity to disrupt.
The winner gets £50,000 cash towards development, plus mentoring from Virgin’s Investment Team. Two runners-up receive £10,000 each towards development.

Grow: For exciting businesses that are ready to go big-time.
The winner gets £250,000 marketing support, and two runners-up receive £100,000 marketing support.

All three category winners will also receive a full internet and fixed mobile voice package from Virgin Media Business for 12 months, unlimited travel on Virgin Trains for 12 months, a place on the Accelerator Network programme (www.theacceleratornetwork.com), a free package of pro bono advice from the ICAEW Business Advice Service (www.businessadviceserviceblog.com) and a membership to the not-for-profit private members club at The House of St Barnabas (www.hosb.org.uk).

One more £50,000 marketing support prize will be awarded to the semi-finalist with the most votes at the end – the People’s Choice.

Head over to the Pitch to Rich website to find out more and enter.