It has been four fantastic weeks and a steady flow of business plans has streamed into our offices. We also received many calls, emails and requests over the period. It was our pleasure to provide information to all who took the time out to contact us.

Our panel of experts have been pouring over all the entries to select the top entrepreneurs who will attend our all-day events on the 30th July and the 13th August. Our experts have formulated as much as possible, advice and information for all entries to help them move their ideas forward.

Last week our team scoured the plans submitted and were impressed with some of the proposals. Making the final selection was a tough process as entrepreneurs ensured that their submissions met very high standards. Unfortu-nately, only 25 of the plans submitted will make it to the event next week.

Invitees to The Voice Business Initiative event will be notified by Tuesday July 24, 2007.

Our experts will give each entrepreneur one on one face time to go through their idea and establish the most effective way to tap into funding, business support and mentoring if necessary.

We at The Voice realise this is only the beginning of a process designed at raising awareness on one of the most important aspects to building a stronger black community. We also understand the positive effects it could have on the lives of all those who have just submitted ideas and taken a chance to give themselves financial independence, which in turn will give them the greatest freedom of all self-determination. To continue following this process check out: http://www.voice-online.co.uk/voice_business/, where you will be able to review the editorials starting with the very first issue. Keep tuned in and check out the local events that we will be highlighting in your area as well as information on special schemes and initiatives targeting the African and Caribbean community.