Somerset's business community is being invited to come and be dragons as four Somerset entrepreneurs present their pitches at a Somerset SOUP event next month.

The four businesses have been chosen to pitch their idea with the chance of winning a package worth £1,000. They will be competing against each other, delivering a 4 minute pitch to win votes and investment from the delegates at the event, the 'Dragons'.

Local businesses, as well as anyone else who would like the opportunity, will vote for which idea they like best, to help kick start news businesses or ideas across Somerset.

Ges Green, Somerset Enterprise Centres Manager, said: "We were extremely excited by the number and diversity of new businesses that applied for SOUP. We now have selected four fantastic business ideas that will be competing to gain your vote, with the hope of walking away with the prize that is largely made up with the ticket sales – in other words, every 'dragon' coming to the event is investing in a Somerset Entrepreneur."

The four creative businesses looking to gain investment are Tea Birds Community Café, The Rolling Cocktail Company, VoiceForms and Wild Wellies.

Ges Green, continued: "SOUP is a fantastic opportunity to network whilst supporting new enterprise. The concept is great and it gives new businesses the opportunity to raise funds and gain the visibility that is so important for any fledgling business. The more dragons we have the greater the investment these worthy businesses will receive, so come along – don't miss the chance to be a dragon!"

SOUP asks every member of the audience to vote, with the winning business taking the ticket proceeds from the event, along with the prize package offered by event organisers TDA and sponsors Albert Goodman, Cosmic, Red Berry Recruitment and Somerset Chamber of Commerce. With an expected audience of around 60 business professionals, the event will also provide all of our pitchers great business exposure.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development, said: "Launching your own business can be daunting and gaining support and advice from peers is really useful. This is a great opportunity to hear from people who have already been through that experience, as well as making invaluable connections.

"I applaud the four entrepreneurs who will be pitching their ideas at this event and would encourage anyone who has an interest in business to come along and be a dragon for the day."

Watmuff & Beckett will be providing soup for the event. This company really connects with the Somerset SOUP as they are Somerset's very own Dragon's Den winners, who took the investment they won to grow the business from start-up to larger scale production.

The event takes place at The Red Brick Building, Glastonbury on Thursday 27 September, with networking starting at 5pm.

Book your seat to be a Dragon at http://www.somersetsoup.eventbrite.co.uk