YOUNG entrepreneurs in Darwen can start their own business by taking advantage of vacancies at a dedicated business hub.

Darwen Creates is offering the opportunity to start and run a business from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.

Space, in the school’s ‘entrepreneurship bridge’, is available to anyone under 25 in the local area and comes with all the help and support needed to kick-start a business.

Darwen Creates uses a start-up journey to take entrepreneurs through all the steps, from discovering their idea through market research and finance to marketing and sales.

The initiative has seen a number of successful start-ups recently move on to larger commercial office space, resulting in a limited number of places becoming available.

Pods are free until businesses generate enough profit to afford £100 per month rent for single office space and £200 for double.

Katherine Taylor, Darwen Creates manager, said: “Starting your own business is an exciting time but it can also be quite lonely.

“With Darwen Creates you get a professional yet social space that impresses prospective customers and keeps you motivated.

“Every office comes with furniture, phone and internet all for free while you are starting up.

“If you need a helping hand, our ambassadors and business supporters provide invaluable advice and guidance.”

Brad Wilson, 19, moved in to one of the offices following 12 months working with Darwen Creates.

He said: “The facilities are great. Having my own space to work in helps me creatively and motivates me to work harder than I ever would if I was running it from home.

“Darwen Creates has helped me immensely over the past 12 months. They helped me secure business funding, connect with other business owners for advice and get all my ideas together to help me develop my branding and website.”

For more or to apply, call Katherine Taylor on 01254 819555 or email Katherine. taylor@daca.uk.com