BUDDING entrepreneurs are being offered chance to develop their small businesses thanks to a £350,000 Euro grant.

The award has gone to Nelson and Colne College under the European Adapt Initiative to help people develop their enterprising ideas.

"This new project is designed to help local people develop a range of small business enterprises and we are hoping to attract ideas with a semi-rural flavour," said assistant principal Stuart Evans. "The small-scale manufacture of cheese, beer, jam, knitwear - anything in fact which does not require vast amounts of capital outlay could be suitable." The £350,000 would provide training, work space and the cost of trials of innovative products.

"Hopefully this support will put local entrepreneurs in a strong position when demonstrating to banks or local training and enterprise councils that they have a workable idea with commercial viability."

The college already has a number of private-sector supporters lined up to help including Sainsbury's and Asda.

"The project will be launched officially next month when people will be invited to discuss their ideas with our experts," said Mr Evans.

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