TWO North-East entrepreneurs are going head-to-head in the 2011 Face of Entrepreneurship.

The Northern Echo is inviting readers to vote for who they think should be crowned overall winner of the If We Can, You Can Challenge, which celebrates emerging businesses in the region.

Cathi Harrison, from Para- Sols, a support service business for financial advisors, and Gill Walker, from Patchwork People, a community interest company, both based in Darlington, were selected from more than 100 entries to the challenge after pitching their businesses to a panel.

Ms Walker, 55, from Manfield, near Darlington, said: “I couldn’t be happier about getting this far in the challenge, I really enjoy what I do and I would like to extend my business to work with more young people across the whole of the North-East.”

Ms Harrison, 28, from West Park, Darlington, said: “This has been such a whirlwind experience and to make it as a finalist is exciting. I’d like to win the challenge, particularly for the business mentoring, being able to speak to people who have been there and started their own business would be an excellent opportunity to get advice and support to help the business grow.”

The names of the finalists will be officially announced at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum eighth annual business conference today, at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead.

Readers can cast their vote by texting Vote followed by the name of your chosen finalist to 07624-803199, texts will be charged at your normal network rate.

Alternatively, you can vote at ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/chall enge by clicking Vote on the profile of the person you want to win. The public vote will be combined with the judges’ votes to determine the winner.