UP TO £2,500 is available to help budding entrepreneurs in Folkestone under a new scheme.

The funding, along with a series of workshops and mentoring sessions, is being delivered by Shepway Enterprise Agency in partnership with Canterbury Business School.

The New Entrepreneur Scholarship Business Training and Start-up Programme is designed to provide as much support as possible over a four-month period.

Support with travel costs and childminding is also being provided.

The part-time management training for this programme will give candidates the skills to develop a workable business plan.

The programme aims to help start viable businesses and to qualify for the scheme candidates must be aged 18 or over, not in full-time employment and resident in the Central, East or Harbour wards of Folkestone or St Mary in the Marsh.

Places on this programme are limited and with the workshop sessions starting in January 2005, anyone wishing to apply is urged to do so as soon as possible.

Applications, in the first instance should be made by telephone to John Earl, Enterprise Manager, telephone 01303 270022.