A new county campaign has been launched to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to start a business in 2024.

The initiative, dubbed 'Enterprising Worcestershire', is run by Worcestershire County Council.

The programme gives potential business owners an opportunity to participate in a fully-funded two-day masterclass, delivered by Rock Solid Consulting.

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The masterclasses are set to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to start their enterprises.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, infrastructure and skills, said: "The new year is the ideal time for a new start, especially if you're thinking of starting a business.

"I encourage everyone with a passion to start their own business to seize this opportunity."

Masterclasses are scheduled for Monday, January 15 and Tuesday, 16 at Malvern Library, Thursday, January 25 and Wednesday, 26 at The Hive Worcester, Friday, February 9 and Saturday, 10 at Bromsgrove Library and Thursday, February 29 and Friday, March 1 at Evesham Library.

In addition to the masterclasses, the council is hosting a Start-Up Fest on Tuesday, February 6 at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, which will be hosted by BBC’s Dragons Den Winner, Peter Hill.

Attendees can expect sessions on networking, social media presence, cash flow, and maintaining a work-life balance.

T Start-Up Fest will also see the finale of the Quick Pitch competition, where, selected applicants will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts.

Those interested are encouraged to apply before the application closes on Sunday, January 14.

The programme is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the council.

The programme's mission is to back pre-start and early-stage businesses in Worcestershire.

Besides pre-start support, businesses under three years old are eligible for up to 10 hours of flexible business coaching and limited grant funding in Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove, and Redditch.