Pitch in to Grantham's Pitch Pot

A bid to help good causes and business ideas will be launched in Grantham next month.

Greater Grantham Pitch Pot is being set up by James Munn, who is working with Father Stuart Cradduck of St Wulfram’s Church on the idea.

James is the self-employed founder of a social enterprise called Global Digital Week. He came up with the idea after hearing about Detroit in the USA, where after the city went bankrupt, people would meet and put a few dollars into a pot. They would then pitch their idea and whoever was voted to have delivered the best pitch, took away the cash for their project.

The 23-year-old was born and raised in Grantham and graduated from Leeds University last year. Since returning to his home town, James says he found a need for such as scheme as people have ideas but lack funds.

Businesses as well as non-profits can take part, with potential ideas including funding refugees learning English, a business gaining funds for an IT system, or an individual needing a wheelchair.

James is working with Grantham Business Club, South Kesteven District Council and others in promoting the scheme. He hopes he will also be able to gain match funding for the funding pots.

Entry will cost pitchers a tenner but James hopes the pot will exceed £250, more than double that if match funding is obtained.

James said: “Everyone is welcome to come along with their ideas. The Greater Grantham Pitch Pot will be the place to come together, pitch your ideas and vote on the project you think will be best for your community or a business.”

Father Stuart Cradduck commented: “This is a fabulous idea. It’s all full steam ahead. I can’t wait for it to happen. I hope and expect we will get some great ideas that will benefit the town.

The first meeting is at 7pm on Thursday August 23 at St Wulfram’s Church.