Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden has pledged her support for a new scheme which will provide £15m of free advertising to small businesses across the UK.
The Local Business Accelerators Scheme, spearheaded by The Newspaper Society, is designed to give Britain’s most promising young companies the advice and funding they need.
Nearly 500 local press publications will search for the most dynamic and disruptive businesses in their area, and connect them with experienced mentors – as well as providing free advertising space.
Judges will sift through the hundreds of companies chosen by the regional journalists, and then select the best overall business – which will receive personal mentoring from Meaden herself.
Commenting on the initiative, Meaden said:
“In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities.”
The initiative is open to any business aged between one and three years old, and an active participant in its local community. Visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information.