It was Dragons' Den with a difference in Edgware, the difference being that all seven budding entrepreneurs received financial and practical backing from the panel.
The ideas were sold to five "business angels" by London and Manchester-based young people with mild to moderate learning difficulties supported by the Langdon Foundation.
Over 50 people watched the candidates being quizzed by the angels, who included accountant Adam Cohen, internet specialist Dan Crown and construction boss Nigel Henry.
First up was smartly suited Salford University graduate Bradley Midda, 24, who was seeking funding for his eBay shop selling headphones and speakers.
"I was a bit scared because this business really is my dream," he said afterwards. "I impressed myself and the world is my oyster."
He was followed by Manchester duo Adam Patchick, 23, and Mark Nadler, 26, who asked for money to buy chickens for an egg business. The two keen gardeners also hope to sell trees and were helped in their presentation by Langdon's Beverley Kaye.
Shy Edgware resident Hannit Singer, 29, requested money and support for her homemade jewellery venture. She plans to sell the pieces to independent retailers and at craft fairs.
Benjamin Kraus, 24, wanted help to launch his kosher cookbook to further his love of cooking and to educate people about kashrut. Keen philatelist Simon Houlton intends to open a stamp-trading business with his own collection of 10,000 stamps.
"I wasn't scared about my presentation," he reflected. "I wanted to do it because hopefully I can inspire other people from Langdon to become involved in business."
Finally, Andrew Berkowicz asked for money and contacts to help start his own PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) safety business. "I have Asperger's," he said. "I do like being around people but I also like my own space. So this kind of job is perfect. I can talk when I want and get on with the job when I want."
Mr Henry, the judges' chair, will be helping out the egg and tree traders. He noted that "while businesses and retailers today are much better at offering employment to people with disabilities, unfortunately there are still many that turn a blind eye".
Counsellor and fellow angel Michal Booker hoped to give confidence and motivation to jewellery designer Ms Singer. "She is so excited about her company and that enthusiasm is the most important thing."
The event was sponsored by statistical analysis company Star Lizard, which has donated £10,000 to help businesses run by Langdon clients.
About half the money was distributed among the seven applicants. The remainder will be disbursed at a similar event later in the year.
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