WITH increasing numbers of people defying the economic downturn – some spurred by redundancy – to start their own businesses, Government-backed advisers have set up intensive courses to minimise the number that fail. Around 100,000 new businesses are crea

WITH increasing numbers of people defying the economic downturn - some spurred by redundancy - to start their own businesses, Government-backed advisers have set up intensive courses to minimise the number that fail.

Around 100,000 new businesses are created in the East of England every three months, and Business Link East has seen interest in new ventures burgeon since the downturn began.

For just �50, including accommodation and food for the two days, would-be Cambridgeshire entrepreneurs can be part of BLE's 'Start Your Own Business Boot Camps' on June 4 and 5 and July 30 and 31.

The residential Business Boot Camp has been designed to provide a fast-track foundation for anyone wishing to accelerate the start up of his or her own business BLE says. Both days are packed with a range of information, advice and support - basically everything that new entrepreneurs need to get up and running straight away.

"The idea was developed as a result of the popularity of the 'starting your own business' workshops that we run throughout the year," said Viv Starkiss, Business Link's enterprise awareness manager.

"It is aimed at people who want to get their business up and running as quickly as possible. The Boot Camp provides a streamlined approach to the subjects covered in the Business Link start-up workshops and gives people the chance to focus totally on their business plans, away from outside distractions.

"The intensive format covers all the business essentials, such as business planning, marketing, sales, finance and research. Because we run the event at Business Link's largest office in Hatfield, delegates are able to work with the information team, learning how to research their business ideas," she added.

"This gives them the chance not only to find out about the huge range of resources on offer, but also to leave with some really targeted research material. Each delegate meets a dedicated adviser who will continue to support them after the event.

"All delegates leave with a wealth of reference material, an understanding of how to research their market and get their business started, plus details of who to contact for any business queries in the future. In addition, they receive a one-to-one business advice voucher worth �130."

INFORMATION: Spaces are limited to 12 for each Boot Camp so, those interested should complete the online questionnaire at www.startupbootcamp.org.uk Business Link will assess all the applications, and the applicants with the top 12 scores when matched against the assessment criteria will be invited to attend. To find out more about all Business Link workshops call 08457 171615 for a free brochure or log on to www.bookevents.org