Budding Tyneside entrepreneurs are being sought by the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES) programme which begins its next intake this month.

NES, managed by enterprise agency Entrust, has helped launch 117 new businesses across Tyneside over the past five years.

NES is delivered in partnership with Northumbria University and aims to break down the barriers to starting a business.

For many people the idea of starting out in business can be daunting, so NES says it provides practical advice in plain English and a business plan which becomes a road map to success.

Scholars develop their business plan with the help of expert counsellors, academics and successful entrepreneurs.

Ongoing support and guidance follow the four month, part-time training period. No previous qualifications are necessary, simply a willingness to learn combined with the ambition to turn dreams into business success.

One-to-one mentoring is combined with group sessions alongside other budding entrepreneurs on the scheme. Opportunities and challenges are discussed and candidates encouraged to help each other under the guidance of professional counsellors.

Scholars keep a video diary of their progress. The aim of the scheme is to bolster personal confidence as well as provide valuable business knowledge.

One business to benefit from NES tuition is Canopy New Music, set up by David de la Haye in March 2005. The company promotes experimental music and environmentally friendly sound generation. With the business knowledge gained through NES, David now helps a network of Northern musicians to promote their music.

Mr de la Haye said: "I have been involved in the experimental and green music scenes for a number of years but I have had no business training. NES gave me the confidence to launch Canopy New Music and my new found expertise in business is available to over 200 musicians who are in the same boat I was."

NES manager Richard Moffitt, based at North Tyneside Business Centre, North Shields, said: "NES provides the skills necessary for entrepreneurial success to people who have a business idea but little or no business skills.

"Over five years the programme has helped people from tradesmen to fashion designers succeed in launching their business. If people have the dream NES can make it reality."