Find out how the Courier could help your business grow

The initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden, is called Local Business Accelerators and is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.

Nearly 500 local press publications, including the Courier and Weekly News, are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities.

Together, the local press industry will search for the nation’s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication.

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

Deborah 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.”

This week the Courier and Weekly News launches its Local Business Accelerators search.

• 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.

• 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 Courier, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter.

Entries close on November 14.

Dean Walton, director at Southam-based Alumet Group and Mask-arade, Warwick and Leamington MP Chris White and Courier editor Chris Lillington will form the judging panel and will review and shortlist entries before awarding three local businesses with the prize of free advertising and business advice.

They’ll also be looking out for that one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.

Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press.

“No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators. It’s where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities.”