Make your business idea a reality with a £1,000 grant

Dacorum's Den group 2025

Budding entrepreneurs have the chance to get a head start in business by pitching for a grant of up to a £1,000 from Dacorum’s Den.

The Dacorum Borough Council initiative, based on the popular TV series Dragons’ Den, is a grant giving initiative to help local small businesses develop and grow.

Now in its 12th year, Dacorum’s Den has awarded more than £114,000 to more than 88 Dacorum businesses and has created additional jobs within the borough. This funding comes from generous local businesses, including this year’s sponsors: Beeches Group, West Herts College, Sureserve Compliance Central and Cardo Group. Winners will also receive free expert business coaching provided by local marketing agency, Bloom with BB and sales coach, Sales Geek, and free annual membership to Connect Dacorum Networking Group.

Dacorum’s Den is aimed at individuals and businesses who:

  • Employ fewer than 10 employees and have a turnover of less than £500,000
  • Have a great business idea
  • Are eager to grow their business in Dacorum

Dacorum’s Den is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a business idea to get a helping hand into making it reality, or for existing small companies to grow and adapt their business models to unlock future potential.

Cllr Adrian England, Portfolio Holder for Place, said: ‘We are delighted to invite entrepreneurs into the 2026 Den. This is a fantastic opportunity to test your business idea in a supported environment!

‘By getting involved, if shortlisted, you will benefit from coaching and you’ll help Dacorum celebrate innovation, and the Dragons (who are not too scary) will ‘breathe fire’ into your vision and plans.’

Applications are open until midday on Wednesday 25 March 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to put their ideas before a panel of judges, led by Councillor England. The panel will evaluate their pitches to determine if a grant will be awarded.

For further details (including eligibility criteria) and to apply, please visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/dacorumsden or email business@dacorum.gov.uk.