BAND aid is now available for enterprising Bury companies who want to harness the benefits of e-business.

Small and medium-sized firms across the borough and elsewhere in Greater Manchester can now get free broadband access and allow them to undertake a free on-line marketing course.

The initiative by Manchester-based Multimedia Marketing Com (MMC) is part of a North West Development Agency (NWDA) programme to encourage more people in business to connect to broadband as a fast and reliable way to use the Internet. A sum of £149,000 is available from the NWDA's regional broadband fund.

A series of seminars by MMC is planned when businesses in Greater Manchester will hear how to sign up for a free package worth £500.

Paul Smith, managing director of on-line marketing training supplier MMC, said: "Our marketing package has been refined over 17 years but the principle can be grasped in the first four minutes."

Mark Sullivan, NWDA North West broadband fund project manager, said: "This initiative is an excellent way to engage local businesses in the use of broadband and for them to experience its benefits in real terms. Broadband can have a significant impact on business, so we are pleased to support this innovative project which will invest further in the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in Greater Manchester."

MMC seminars have already been held and another one is to be staged on September 25 at BT's Grand Island site in Manchester. Further information from MMC on (0161) 247 6052.