Does your business have the X factor to succeed?

This year, O2 is searching for the Male and Female Entrepreneur of the Year, as well as a new category for 2009, the O2 X Young Entrepreneur of the Year, to recognise emerging talent within the sector. The most original and innovative businesses in each category will receive a winners’ package of £5,000 as well as mentoring from a business expert and marketing support.

O2 X Female Entrepreneur of the Year – supported by Grazia
Rewarding the best in the business, the Female Entrepreneur of the Year will be someone who can demonstrate innovation and excellence in the small business world. Nicky Kinnaird, founder of international beauty brand Space NK, will be guest judge for this category, looking for a female business woman ready to set the business world alight

O2 X Male Entrepreneur of the Year – supported by Shortlist
This category is looking for a businessman who has started out on his own and built his business into a success story. The overall winner will be someone who can demonstrate innovation and best practice in running their business

O2 X Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Under 25)
Under 25 and already a business success story? O2 wants to hear from you! As recognition of the ever-increasing young talent in the business world, this new category will reward an exciting upcoming talent

As part of this year’s O2 X Awards, O2 is running a series of small business networking events at O2 Academies across the country. The regional events will offer the opportunity to not only find out more about the O2 X Awards and what they can do for your business, but also a chance to hear from a panel of small business experts including last year’s O2 X Award winners and the opportunity to network with other small businesses in the area.

Winners in all categories will be chosen from a regional shortlist before advancing to the O2 X Awards National Final in London in October 2009.
To register for the place at the events go to:  www.o2.co.uk/xawards