The BBC's popular TV programme Dragons' Den is gearing up for a new series and is on the look out for entrepreneurs who would like to take part and gain the chance to secure investment in their businesses.
Dragons' Den, which last year attracted more viewers than ever before, allows businesspeople to pitch their ideas to five multi-millionaires: Duncan Bannatyne, Peter Jones, Hilary Devey, Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden - all willing to invest their own cash in new ideas. The entrepreneurs get a tough grilling from the Dragons, but in the last series 16 of them were impressive enough to walk away with an offer of cash in return for equity in their business.

Previous successes in the Den include Chris Elsworthy's Power8 Workshop, Peter Moule's ChocBox, Guy Unwin's Toastabags, and Lawrence Webb and Frank Drewett with their Wheelie Bin Lid Lifter.

Even those who don't secure investment in the Den can go on to find success and prove the Dragons wrong. In 2008, Natalie Ellis failed to convince the financiers to back her non-spill dog bowl, now the product is available in 42 countries, her business is worth millions of pounds and even Barack Obama owns one.

Engineers Ian Worton and Peter Neath also failed to get backing for their healthy grilling Grillstream barbecue tray several years ago but have had great success since, licensing their product to a number of manufacturers worldwide, and with the Grillstream technology now built into Leisuregrow barbecues in the UK. In 2011 the product also bagged a Silver award at DIY Week's Product of the Year Awards.

For anyone interested in venturing into the Den, the rules are simple: Entrepreneurs ask for a cash investment in return for equity in their business. They must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to be pitched any kind of business but they must be convinced that it requires investment and will make money.

Businesses and products that have previously gained financial backing in the Den have demonstrated one or more of the following: unique selling point, scalability, clear route to market and a planned exit strategy.

The BBC will be auditioning for the new series throughout the coming months. If you are seeking investment for your business idea or invention, email dragonsden@bbc.co.uk for an application or visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden