Two entrepreneurs from West Dunbartonshire have won funds to make their business dreams a reality after taking part in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch.

Robertson Central, which is currently constructing new affordable housing in Alexandria and Renton, launched the Catalyst Business Initiative with support from Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire.

On offer was a £2,000 prize fund, with six local entrepreneurs invited to pitch their ideas to an expert panel after submitting business plans.

The winner was Angela Oxford from Clydebank, who received £1,500 for her company Baby Scan Studios, which aims to provide parents-to-be with reassurance of their baby’s wellbeing while giving them treasured keepsakes including 4D scans and photo packages.

Angie Oxford said: “I was absolutely delighted to be awarded the prize fund – never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would have been in with a chance of winning the £1,500.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for any new business starting up. Up until now my business has been self-funded using only my own resources, and this award will help my business while I build my client base.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Business Gateway and the Robertson Group for this opportunity and in helping turn my dream of having my own private baby scanning business into a reality.”

The panel was also hugely impressed by Sharon Tait, and chose to give her £500 to help scale-up her hypnotherapy company Stait of Mind.

Gillian Pettigrew, community development coordinator, Robertson Group, said: “We want to create a lasting legacy in the area beyond the construction of the new homes – and it’s a real pleasure to give back to the local community in this way.

“We are looking forward to seeing that entrepreneurial spirit blossom thanks to this initiative and to supporting Angela and Sharon in growing their businesses.”

Matthew Wheeler, business growth advisor, Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire, added: “This was a fantastic opportunity for local start-up businesses and shows the breadth of talent and passion that lies in this region and in Scotland.

“Starting up your own enterprise is always a difficult time and at Business Gateway we are keen to offer as much support as possible. The two winners are extremely grateful for the support that Robertson Central has offered – I look forward to seeing these businesses grow in the coming months and years.”

Robertson Central is building affordable homes in West Dunbartonshire on behalf of Caledonia Housing Association. The £9.6 million project has been procured through the National Major Works framework, one of seven national frameworks provided by Scape Group.

The framework aims to create lasting economic and social value for local communities, beyond the immediate construction project it facilitates, and Robertson is fulfilling these criteria by supporting local start-up businesses with support from Business Gateway West Dunbartonshire.