YOUNG people from across Waveney are being asked to come up with idea's which could be a product or service, to be pitched in front of a panel of dragons in the bid to win a cash prize and business guidance and set up support.

YOUNG people from across Waveney are being asked to come up with idea's which could be a product or service, to be pitched in front of a panel of dragons in the bid to win a cash prize and business guidance and set up support.

My Grand Idea, which has been driven by teenage entrepreneur Ryan Holt, is aimed at teenagers aged 15 to 18 from all over the Waveney area.

Ryan, who has built up enterprising projects and continues to use his entrepreneurial spirit, is asking for more young people to come forward and submit their ideas before the deadline next week.

The event, which will be held during entrepreneurship week on November 20, will give young people a chance to shine and shout out about their ideas and show that off what an entrepreneurial place Lowestoft is.

The 15-year old said: 'There are many young people in the local area, who have ideas. They just need to shout out about them regardless how big or small they are.'

Before October half term, Ryan went live on BBC Radio Suffolk promoting the event and said why people should apply and what it could mean to the local economy.

My Grand Idea has got the support from many local businesses such as Blue Lobster IT, Picture Studios, Screens Embroidery as well Graphics Matter who all think that it is important to support entrepreneurship within the town, and is one of the ways forward out of the recession.

The panel of dragons includes advertising guru Erika Clegg from Spring Advertising in Southwold, Journal editor Russell Cook, consultant businesswoman Beth Derks, Hazel Johnson from Make Your Mark and Ryan.

Erika said: 'We're delighted to back My Grand Idea. Our area of expertise is branding and marketing a product and supporting young entrepreneurship in this way is a terrific idea. '

Hazel Johnson, head of Make your Mark for the East of England, said: 'Young people, who would normally struggle to get funding because of their age, can get some funding to make their business idea a reality. This is a fabulous event and one which will put Lowestoft on the map during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009.'

My Grand Idea is intended to provide inspirational opportunities and get young people sharing their ideas and connecting with people as well as seeing their ideas go from paper to reality.

Entries are slowly coming in, however more are needed. If you have an idea, or know someone who has one log onto www.mygrandidea.co.uk to find out more and to download an application form.