A New academy for budding entrepreneurs has opened.

The Hertfordshire Enterprise Academy officially opened on Tuesday at BioPark in Welwyn GC, with the aim of supporting residents in the county to set up their own businesses.

Funded by Herts County Council, East of England Development Agency and non-profit enterprise support organisation Examplas Holdings, the academy is specifically targeted at people for whom setting up a business presents a particular challenge.

Dr Neville Reyner, chairman of Exemplas, said: “This new academy aims to help people to make life-changing choices about their future so that they can overcome any barriers they face and add value to their local community.

“Providing new businesses with accommodation and premises that are flexible and fully inclusive is only part of the story. To encourage new sustainable businesses we are also providing intensive business support, from start-up services to full business start-up through Business Link and other local enterprise agencies and social enterprises.

“We can help these budding entrepreneurs with a range of personal skills, employment development services, mentoring and networking opportunities. Where appropriate we can also help to provide access to pastoral care services, such as money advice, housing support, healthcare advice and welfare.”