Derbion offers golden retail opportunity for local entrepreneurs

Derbion is once again offering entrepreneurs and small businesses the chance to win free retail space inside the centre following the launch of its Hatch competition.

The initiative offers small business owners the opportunity to take their brand to the next level and open a store within the centre.

The prize includes a store in Derbion for a period of six weeks, completely rent free.

In addition to free retail space, the winning business will also receive free marketing support from Derbion to help boost brand awareness and grow their brand.

Interested businesses have until Sunday 16 March to submit their applications via the Derbion website.

After the initial application process, a shortlist of businesses will be invited to pitch in person.

The winner will be selected in the following weeks, and the successful business will open its doors at the centre later in the year.

This is the sixth year that Derbion has ran its Hatch competition, following its initial launch in 2019.

Derbyshire-based entrepreneur, Kia Roberts, was the 2024 winner with her unique eco-friendly baby and children’s brand, Cariad Babi.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “The Hatch competition has been providing small businesses across the region with a fantastic chance to expand and grow since 2019, so we’re delighted to continue to support and invest in local businesses as the initiative returns for the sixth year.

“At Derbion, we are committed to supporting small businesses in the East Midlands by offering a unique chance to secure retail space, with rent, service charges, and business rates fully covered for six weeks.

“If you are, or know, an entrepreneur that would benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.”

Entries for the Hatch competition close on Sunday 16 March, with the winner announced in April.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.derbion.com/hatch-competition/.