The Birmingham Post has teamed up with the Newspaper Society for the launch of a bold initiative called Local Business Accelerators, which is backed by Dragons’ Den judge, Deborah Meaden.

We are searching for the area’s most promising young businesses and helping them to accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in the Birmingham Post.

It’s open to all businesses that are active in the local community, between one and three years old and full of potential. They may have a great idea or product, or even found a new market. 

They’re the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community.

What’s more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from Ms Meaden, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

Ms Meaden said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures.

"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.”

If you run such a business, or know anyone who does, and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in the Birmingham Post, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter.

Closing date for entries is November 14, 2011.

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The Newspaper Society is the voice of Britain’s local media - a sector focused on providing local news and information across its 1,200 daily and weekly, paid-for and free regional and local newspaper titles, 1,600 companion websites and other print, digital and broadcast channels.
www.newspapersoc.org.uk