Renowned TV Dragon and Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has recently announced the return of his groundbreaking investment opportunity for UK small businesses (SMEs) – #SBS Invest, alongside small business supporters and fellow #SBS Investors F1 Superstar and MBP CEO Mark Blundell and Tiny Box Company CEO Rachel Watkyn.
Originally launched in 2023, #SBS Invest offers members of Theo Paphitis’ free-to-join small business network #SBS Small Business Sunday an exclusive opportunity to win investment from the esteemed entrepreneurs on the #SBS Investor panel. On relaunching #SBS Invest and supporting small businesses, Theo Paphitis said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and that’s why I’m so proud to bring back this free opportunity that gives them a chance to turbocharge their growth.
“Last year’s #SBS Invest was a resounding success, and it allowed me to further understand some cracking businesses in the network. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.”
Theo Paphitis appeared on the popular series Dragons’ Den for ten seasons and invested in over 20 businesses, to the tune of £1.5million, during that time. Through #SBS Invest, Theo Paphitis will use his expertise and experience in the Den to spot and nurture promising SMEs from the #SBS Small Business Sunday network. Joining Theo Paphitis on the #SBS Investor Panel this year are CEO of Tiny Box Company Rachel Watkyn and F1 Superstar & MBP CEO Mark Blundell – both of whom bring a wealth of experience and unique insights to the process.
On being an #SBS Investor CEO of Tiny Box Company Rachel Watkyn said: “It’s a privilege to be invited to be a member of this panel for such a great movement, it’s been my passion and side hustle to help other entrepreneurs not only in their journey but to also, help them enjoy the journey. I can’t think of a better way of doing this other than investing in small businesses who are at the start of their journey.”
CEO of MBP Mark Blundell said: “Passion and hunger are great assets for an entrepreneur but strategy and structure are also key ingredients to a successful business and these are the areas that energise me as an #SBS Investor.”
#SBS Small Business Sunday, launched by Theo Paphitis in 2010 from his kitchen table, is a small business network designed to provide UK SMEs with a platform to grow, and it has since become one of the UK’s leading business communities with over 4,000 of the best and brightest of UK small business currently in the network.
The #SBS Invest opportunity is exclusively available to all of the 4,000 small business owners who have won the free-to-enter #SBS Small Business Sunday award. Members of the free-to-join #SBS network entering this multi-stage investment opportunity must successfully complete a filmed business pitch and a business plan before being invited to perform a live pitch to the #SBS Investor Panel.
For more information about #SBS Invest and how to participate, visit the official #SBS website: theopaphitissbs.com
