Birmingham Science Park Aston has launched the third phase of its Entrepreneurs for the Future programme, boosting the number of start-up businesses that it can accommodate to 50 per year.

The incubation programme, known as e4f, supports technology start-up companies in achieving growth by providing funding support, expert advice and mentoring for up to six months.

Companies taking part in the programme also benefit from office or desk space for up to six months, alongside access to telephone and internet services.

Simon Jenner, BSPA’s head of incubation, said: “Since we launched e4f in 2009, we have seen a phenomenal number of businesses take part in the programme, with many going on to become revenue generating companies.

“By extending the amount of office space dedicated to the grant-funded programme, we will be able to house four more start-up businesses at any given time.

“As a result of this much-needed expansion we will be able to provide business development opportunities to an even greater number of fledgling start-ups.

“Ultimately companies that are attracted to BSPA through e4f and establish themselves in or around Birmingham will help in the future economic development of the region and create new jobs, as well as encouraging more companies to the West Midlands to do business.”

The launch of the third phase of e4f has given members of the programme the opportunity to meet a group of mentors, who are able to lend their expertise to the programme’s new wave of start-up businesses.

Jennifer Schofield, whose company DataDiscretion is currently developing its first product as part of e4f, said: “By introducing prospective mentors, the e4f programme provides a truly outstanding opportunity for small businesses like ours to speak with relevant figures from within our own industries, as well as the wider business world.

“The e4f programme provides us with a real wealth of materials and experience and for a start-up company like ours to be able to have access to mentors of this calibre wouldn’t be possible without the Science Park’s support.”

Based at BSPA, the e4f Centre is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.