A BOURNEMOUTH florist and coffee shop could be getting its hands on a £25,000 business grant.

Little Perth, which has branches in Southbourne and Westbourne, is one of six small businesses shortlisted for Simply Business’ 2024 Business Boost initiative.

More than 17,000 applications were submitted for the grant, designed to give one lucky small business owner a helping hand.

Rohanna Roberts and Jon Roberts, co-founders of Little Perth, said: “At a time when small businesses are being hit hard from all angles, it means the world for Little Perth to be recognised by Simply Business and shortlisted for the Business Boost award.

“The £25k prize would give us the ability to 'hit go' on our exciting plans for the next chapter of our business, allowing us to grow our team, further our floral delivery routes (in a more sustainable way), and begin to give back to our local communities here in Bournemouth through our Re:Bloom initiative.”

Simply Business, a provider of small business insurance, has been running the Business Boost initiative for five years.

The 2024 grant winner will be announced on December 13 following a decision by a panel of expert judges including renowned entrepreneur Timothy Armoo, Harpreet Kaur, winner of BBC’s The Apprentice and last year’s winner, Claire Marchais, owner of eco-friendly, low-waste wholefoods store, Fair-Well.

The judges will pick a winner based on criteria including how the business positively impacts society, innovation and practicality of the business’s plan for the prize money.

Importantly, judges are also looking for compelling stories that showcase the business's trials, triumphs, and inspirational moments.

Bea Montoya, UK COO at Simply Business, said: “Supporting our communities’ small businesses has never been more crucial, and we’re honoured to be able to help make a genuine transformational impact for another small business owner this year.

“With almost twenty thousand entries, we were deeply moved to hear about the big dreams of small business owners across the country, and it’s clearer than ever that our self-employed community is brimming with passion, drive and resilience.

“Having witnessed the positive impact of our Business Boost initiative for the last four years, we are thrilled to be returning with our £25,000 grant this year and wish the best of luck to the six incredible businesses on the shortlist.”