Today, the Times & Star launches a campaign to help small and fledgling Cumbrian businesses grow.

We have joined forces with the chartered accountant Lamont Pridmore to offer free advertising, mentoring and support to enterprises that show growth potential.

The scheme is called Business Boost.

Applications are invited in two categories.

One for new businesses – up to five years old – and one for established businesses of any age with fewer than 250 employees. All entrants must be based in Cumbria.

Two businesses in each of the three areas will win £10,000 to spend on advertising in our newspapers and associated web sites – that’s £60,000-worth in total.

The aim is to help them reach new markets and so boost sales and profits.

Lamont Pridmore, which has offices across the county, including Workington, is offering all entrants a copy of its book, 57 Ways to Grow Your Business, a help sheet What Makes a Successful Business and a booklet Competitiveness – How the Best UK Companies are Winning.

Finalists can request a free half-day consultation with the firm while the winners can request a free business consultation programme over an extended period, which Lamont Pridmore says typically results in a £25,000 net profit improvement.

Graham Lamont, chief executive, said: “Our team is proud to be involved in an initiative that recognises our growing entrepreneurial spirit in Cumbria and the hard work and dedication of local businesses.

“At Lamont Pridmore, we offer a range of products and services designed to meet our clients’ needs and help their businesses grow.

“We look forward to meeting and mentoring some of the business leaders of tomorrow and to support them further we are offering an additional prize package to everyone who enters Business Boost 2016.”

Steve Johnston, editor of the Times & Star, said: “There is huge investment planned for Cumbria over the next few years, and it's vital that home-grown businesses make the most of the opportunities available. Business Boost aims to help them do just that.”

Our sister CN Group newspapers in Cumbria are also taking part in Business Boost, including the News & Star, The Cumberland News, Whitehaven News, Times & Star and North West Evening Mail.

This is the third year that CN Group has run the scheme, and the second year that Lamont Pridmore has been involved as a sponsor.

Last year’s West Cumbrian winners were Purple Cherry Coffee Shop, in Workington and the holiday lettings agency Sally’s Cottages, of Keswick.

Entrants should outline how their businesses will grow and how they might use a £10,000 advertising campaign.

The closing date is March 25. Judging takes place early in April – details of the judging panel will be announced shortly – when shortlisted finalists will be invited to make a Dragons’ Den-style pitch.

Winners will be announced at the end of April.

To apply, click here