BUDDING entrepreneurs are set to be given the chance to rapidly turn their techy ideas into a business this new year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with The Making Rooms to run the new Tech Blackburn scheme.

The programme offers support and guidance from industry-leading experts, as well as the chance to meet investors and access advanced prototyping.

It’s free to take part. The first three-month programme will launch in February.

Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s executive member for regeneration and growth, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity if you’ve got a great idea for a tech start-up business and the motivation to work hard.

“It’s fully funded and will run over three months, offering budding entrepreneurs the chance to turn their ideas into a fully-fledged business," said Cllr Riley.

“Intensive training will be offered with guidance from industry-leading experts, support from like-minded entrepreneurs and access to investors.

“Our borough already has a rich history of manufacturing so it’s the perfect place to offer this opportunity which could genuinely change someone’s life.”

Tech Blackburn will help each cohort of eight entrepreneurs through the process of assessing and validating ideas, product development and prototyping before planning routes to market.

It will involve 10 days of training where participants can learn about major emerging technologies at the Making Rooms, in Exchange Street, Blackburn.

Fab Lab manager Thomas Macpherson-Pope said: “Tech Blackburn is a brand new business accelerator programme designed to help people start their own business and rapidly progress through the initial start-up and growth phase.

“We’re looking for people with an idea for a product that they’d like to make and the enthusiasm and drive to turn it into a successful business."

To find out more and to register, visit www.makingrooms.org/techblackburn or email: info@makingrooms.org.