Dubbed e4Business, the programme will allow SMEs and start-ups to pitch their business or business idea to Nissan, who will then create a web page on their behalf and help to promote the business locally.

A jury of Nissan experts will analyse all the submitted proposals looking for the best business proposition, with a prize on offer for the winning entry.

In France, where the initial e4Business pilot scheme is being run, the winner will win a brand new e-NV200 for their business, plus a comprehensive – and free – promotional campaign, using the same marketing expertise that has made Nissan a global success.

From September to October, professionals in France will present their project on the e4Business platforms. From November through December, applicants will have the opportunity to share their content with a wider audience including the Nissan competition jury board. Finally, the winner will be chosen in January and their project will be given the full promotional opportunities on offer through the e4business programme.

Pilot schemes of the e4business programme are also being run in Germany, with details to be shared at a local level closer to the time.

The programme has been developed to accompany the arrival of e-NV200 van.

‘In building their business, many entrepreneurs have neither the time nor the expertise to market themselves properly. By buying an e-NV200, however, we know they are forward thinking individuals, and therefore are people who would appreciate and benefit from our marketing knowledge,’ said Jean-Pierre Diernaz, director of electric vehicles Europe. 

‘By having a dedicated web page promoting their company – as well as offering advice on how to maximise their presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter – Nissan’s e4Business programme will help entrepreneurs to grow their business to new heights.’ added Diernaz.