REGIONAL and local newspapers across the country have today delivered a huge boost to UK business by pledging an unprecedented £15m of free advertising to the most dynamic fledgling enterprises.

The bold initiative, backed by Dragon's Den judge, Deborah Meaden, is called Local Business Accelerators and is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society.

Nearly 500 local press publications, including The Northern Echo are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities. Together, the local press industry will search for the nation's most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication. What's more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from the LBA national ambassador Deborah Meaden, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

Deborah Meaden said: "I've seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures. In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I'm so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities."

This week The Northern Echo launches its Local Business Accelerators search. It is open to all businesses that are active in the local community, between one and three years old and full of potential. They may have a great idea or product, or even found a new market. They're the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community.

If you run such a business, or know anyone who does, and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in The Northern Echo, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter. Entries close November 14, 2011.

Members of the local business community including Neil Stephenson, chief executive of Stockton based technology firm Onyx; Terry Skee, commercial director of Durham City solar energy firm Cleaner Air Solutions and Anthony Hobbs, managing director of Baltic Training based at Aycliffe Business Park, County Durham, alongside a representative from Middlesbrough Council and The Northern Echo Business Correspondent, Andy Richardson will form the judging panel to shortlist entries before awarding three lucky local businesses with the prize of free advertising and business advice.

They'll also select one overall star business to be in with a chance to gain Deborah Meaden as a mentor during 2012.

Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: "The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press. No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators. It's where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities."

ALONGSIDE the prize of mentorship from some of the region's most successful business leaders, The Northern Echo, in association with Middlesbrough Council is offering the winner a business base for six months - for FREE.

Middlesbrough Council will provide a six-month rent-free tenancy in one of its Enterprise Centre Network buildings at: Multi Media Exchange, Brentnall Centre, Southlands Centre, Beresford Building, Broadcasting House or Stockton Street Workshops.

The prize includes business rates, heat, light and power, maintenance, security, cleaning and caretaking. Internet services, contents insurance and telephone are not included.

Offices within the Enterprise Centre Network provide businesses with a well equipped town centre location where they can grow.