NEW statistics from Barclays Bank show more and more people are defying the credit crunch and starting-up their own businesses. Entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire are being helped on their way by Business Link s Start Your Own Business Boot Camp . Following

NEW statistics from Barclays Bank show more and more people are defying the credit crunch and starting-up their own businesses.

Entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire are being helped on their way by Business Link's 'Start Your Own Business Boot Camp'.

Following the resounding success of the second 'Boot Camp' in April, the programme will be repeated on June 4, 5 and 30 and July 31 at Business Link East's Headquarters in Hatfield.

The two-day, intensive, residential Business Boot Camp has been designed to provide a fast-track foundation for anyone wishing to accelerate the start up of their own business.

Both days are packed with a range of information, advice and support - basically everything new entrepreneurs need to get up and running straight away. The cost is just �50, which covers overnight accommodation at a local hotel and all meals throughout the two days.

Viv Starkiss, enterprise awareness manager at Business Link, said: "The idea was developed due to the popularity of the 'starting your own business' workshops we run throughout the year.

"It is aimed at people who want to get their business up and running as quickly as possible.

"The Boot Camp provides a streamlined approach to the subjects covered in the Business Link start-up workshops and gives people the chance to focus totally on their business plans, away from outside distractions.

"The intensive format covers all the business essentials, such as business planning, marketing, sales, finance and research. Because we run the event at Business Link's largest office in Hatfield, delegates are able to work with the information team learning how to research their business ideas.

"This gives them the chance not only to find out about the huge range of resources on offer, but also to leave with some really targeted research material. Each delegate meets with their own dedicated adviser who will continue to support them after the event.

"All delegates leave with a wealth of reference material, an understanding of how to research their market and get their business started, plus details of who to contact for any business queries in the future. In addition they receive a one-to-one business advice voucher worth �130."

Spaces are limited to 12 for each Boot Camp, so if you are interested, complete the online questionnaire now at www.startupbootcamp.org.uk

Business Link will assess all the applications, and the applicants with the top 12 scores when matched against the assessment criteria will be invited to attend.