Small businesses and start ups trying to get their business off the ground, have a chance to bring their ideas to life by pitching at TEDxSydney to receive a $10,000 cash grant from St. George.

The St George Kick Start Your Start Up Program is providing 10 cash grants, each worth $10,000 to small businesses and start ups that have been running for less than three years or are yet to start.

Stuart Zalunardo, acting head of SME at St George, says St George is excited to extend the program following last year’s successful launch.

“Response to the program last year was overwhelming, with massive social engagement and over 1200 entries received. Our diverse winners spanned from many states, industries and different stages in their business life cycle,” Zalunardo said.

“This year we’re hoping to attract even more entries and I’m thrilled to announce the top 20 finalists will have the opportunity to be trained by TEDxSydney’s director of performance to deliver their winning elevator pitches at TEDxSydney in front of four judges and a live audience.”

Applications are open to businesses across NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, and ACT and will be judged by a panel of St George business managers and external industry experts.

Entries close on April 19, 2015, with top 20 finalists to be announced on May 4 and deliver their pitches at TEDxSydney on May 21.

Applications are available at www.stgeorge.com.au/kickstart.