WILL they be in or out? Aspiring entrepreneurs in Weymouth and Portland are being offered a chance to win a windfall for their new business – but only if they can impress the judges in a Dragons’ Den-style showdown.

Based on the hit BBC show, the hopefuls will pitch their business ideas to the panel in the hope of winning a £1,000 prize to get their business up and running.

As part of Weymouth and Portland Housing’s (WPH) Step-up, Start-up initiative, the successful applicants will also earn ongoing help and advice on matters like IT, marketing and customer service.

Kevin Dey, managing director of WPH, said: “For many entrepreneurs starting a business, the biggest challenges are raising the funds to get it off the ground and receiving continued support after that.

“This is a perfect way to overcome those problems and hopefully we will see five ideas take off and flourish as new businesses.”

Dorset Echo readers will also get their chance to play the role of Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones.

While the Dorset Dragons will pick out four of the ideas during the July 3 judging event, Echo readers will vote for the fifth and final winning entry.

The competition is open to anyone living in Weymouth and Portland.

Mr Dey said they were after inspirational ideas in any field, be it catering, gardening, transport, retail or community-based.

He added: “We are working closely with leading members of the business community to offer entrepreneurs the chance to get their business ideas off the ground.

“We will be holding a series of borough-wide activities designed to help aspiring business people.

“Along with prestige and expectation, both winners and runners-up will gain the exposure and resources required to turn their dream into reality.”

The trail starts with a Step-up, Start-up lunch for business partners at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy on June 5.

Two special help days will then be held at WPH headquarters at Egdon Hall, Lynch Lane, Weymouth on June 9 and 10, where potential entrants can receive guidance and advice for their concepts.

The final Dragon’s Den judging will take place at Egdon Hall on July 3.

Mr Dey said: “While the aim is to see five new businesses up and running this year with people who were possibly previously unemployed, the competition is also designed to help anyone with a business idea in Weymouth and Portland see their dream become a reality.

“What makes Step-up, Start-up so exciting is that beyond five people winning £1,000 each, all winners and runners-up will be offered free business help and advice from our partners.”

Partners involved with the Step-up, Start-up campaign include Weymouth College, Weymouth and Portland Council, Eco Solutions, Portland Community Partnership and Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the competition or the scheme, call WPH on 01305 206800 or Ezra on 0207 921 4324.

There will also be a Step-up, Start-up stand at the WPH open day at Egdon Hall on May 27, from 11am to 3pm.