AN entrepreneur has set himself a remarkable challenge – to make his new business self-funding within 12 months.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s youngsters will be recognised by voters in The Gazette\u2019s If We Can You Can Challenge 2012, run by The Entrepreneurs\u2019 Forum.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Decided on a 50\/50 split of judges\u2019 scores and online votes, The Gazette\u2019s IWCYC winner will be crowned at an awards dinner following The Entrepreneurs\u2019 Forum annual business conference at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, on May 17.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n