AN entrepreneur has set himself a remarkable challenge – to make his new business self-funding within 12 months.

Paul Burgum and his brother Lee used their own money to establish BCT Aspire, which runs recreational and arts sessions to raise aspirations among young people on Teesside.

There were times as he developed the business that Paul had to return to the joinery trade to raise some money and he even sold his car, van and prized guitar to pay members of staff.

Now he hopes the sacrifices he has made in following his dream to build a sustainable social enterprise that can employ local people and support the area’s youngsters will be recognised by voters in The Gazette’s If We Can You Can Challenge 2012, run by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Over the next month Paul, 32 and fellow finalist Louise Turnbull, of Bump Buddies, are going head to head in a public vote at www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge.

Decided on a 50/50 split of judges’ scores and online votes, The Gazette’s IWCYC winner will be crowned at an awards dinner following The Entrepreneurs’ Forum annual business conference at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, on May 17.

Paul says it is exactly what he needs to build and grow BCT Aspire, which is named after the Billingham Charity Trophy Fun Day, a showcase for local sporting and recreational clubs and one of the many fundraising events he organises for families and children.

He was initially inspired to get involved in community work after helping to build a school during a six-week trip to Tanzania when he was 19.

In 2010, Paul first established BCT Events, later changing the name to BCT Aspire to reflect the scope of work that the enterprise, which employs six people, now delivers.

One of the ways the company generates income is through its catering business whose clients include Billingham Golf Club, Billingham Synthonia Club, Billingham Rangers and Billingham Town FC.

Paul said: “BCT aims in the future to become a true community anchor, a place where young people feel comfortable.

“BCT is aiming to be 100 per cent self sufficient for its core business by 2013. Any funding will be used for funding additional youth activities rather than to keep the business itself afloat, which is what has caused problems for other charities and social enterprises.”

To vote for Paul, visit www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge  before May 10.

Teesside If We Can You Can Challenge finalist sets one year growth target