HUNTINGDONSHIRE S top start-up companies could win a share of �50,000 of business grants being awarded by HSBC. The Start-Up Stars Awards, now in their 10th year, are open to start-ups less than four years old and are designed to encourage entrepreneurshi

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S top start-up companies could win a share of �50,000 of business grants being awarded by HSBC.

The Start-Up Stars Awards, now in their 10th year, are open to start-ups less than four years old and are designed to encourage entrepreneurship in the East of England.

There will be an overall winner, as well as awards for businesses with specific focus on green issues and for those that have expanded into international markets.

Companies can register at http://www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk/ until Friday May 28. Nominated companies then have until Friday, June 25 to submit entries to qualify as the East region's representative for the national finals at a black-tie gala dinner at the London's Dorchester Hotel in October.

Huw Morgan, HSBC's head of business banking and chair of the judging panel, said: "The Start-Up Stars Awards are a reminder of the resilience of the British entrepreneurial spirit. New companies are the lifeblood of our economy and we are delighted to support the aspirations of a new generation of business owners who want to go it alone."

INFORMATION: To find out more about the Start-Up Star awards, register at http://www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk/ by Friday, May 28.