£5,000 is up for grabs for budding businessmen and women taking part in this year's Entrepreneur Academy. But you need to apply to take part by Monday 10 March.

Organised by the Council and run by East Surrey College, the Academy aims to give entrepreneurs a boost in getting their businesses off the ground with expert advice, training and information sharing. 

Over six monthly sessions, participants will cover business planning, finance, legal advice, marketing and online business promotion.

Practical business support

As well as trainer-led learning, local business people share their experiences and business mentors are on hand to give you advice and guidance through the early stages of running your businesses. 

At the end of the programme, you will have the chance to pitch for £5,000 to help get your business off to a flying start.

Start your business with the right information

Hayley Fraser and Natalie Dugdale founders of a smoothie and juice pot bar, Froosion, took part in last year's Academy and successfully pitched for half the £5,000 funding. "The Entrepreneur Academy has been fantastic in taking us through the key aspects of starting our own business," said Natalie. "Without it we could have started a business without knowing the most important things to help us succeed.”

Join the Academy

 There are just 12 places available on the programme, which is open to anyone with a new business idea who lives in the borough and is over 18.

To apply, or find out more about how the council helps local businesses, visit our business support page, fill out the application form.