HELP is at hand for 'social entrepreneurs' who have community-minded business ideas to but are not sure how to get started.

Community First may be able to help with a business start-up programme aimed at the voluntary and community sectors in the two counties.

Using more than 30 years' experience in the fields, the programme is free to people aiming to set up an organisation that has a social purpose and whose profits or surpluses are re-invested, rather than for private profit.

The programme is sponsored by Business Link West Mercia and includes four days of training covering areas such as market research, business and financial planning, employment issues, volunteering, legal structures and one-to-one support with an adviser. It will guide people through the process of setting up a new organisation.

Alison Chambers, the development manager of business support at Community First, said: "This is a great opportunity for people who want to make a difference in their local community, and want to make sure that their project can be sustainable."

Call Pauline Dumville at Community First on 01684 580860 for further information on the scheme.

"It's tailored to the needs of those taking part and will provide mentoring and training whilst the new enterprise is being set up."

For further information contact Pauline Dumville at Community First on 01684 580860.