YOUNG businesses are being offered the chance to win three months of free advertising and expert mentoring.

The Sentinel has signed up to Local Business Accelerators (LBA), a new campaign aimed at boosting local firms by pledging £15 million of free advertising.

Almost 500 local newspapers are involved in the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Newspaper Society and has won the backing of Dragon's Den judge Deborah Meaden.

LBA is aiming to identify the nation's most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from business mentors plus a substantial allocation of free advertising space.

The overall winner will receive individual mentoring sessions from Mrs Meaden, LBA national ambassador, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

The competition is open to any business between one and three years old which believes it is full of potential.

It may have a great idea or product, or even have found a new market, and are the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and pride in the community.

Mark Warren, managing director of Fenton manufacturer Lister Trade Frames, PR expert Richard Swancott and marketing specialist Caroline Laws will form the judging panel along with Sentinel business editor Louise Psyllides.

They will review and shortlist entries before awarding three firms with the prize of free advertising and business advice.

They will also be looking out for one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to be mentored by Mrs Meaden, pictured below right, during 2012.

Bryan Carnes, chief executive of North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, said he would encourage firms to enter the competition.

He said: "It sounds like an opportunity not be missed for those companies who have established themselves but are now looking to develop and grow."

Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: "The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press.

"No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators.

"It's where local newspapers have always made a real difference, by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities."

The initiative has won the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron, who said: "The LBA campaign will help provide the boost that our smaller British businesses need right now.

"By joining forces to launch this excellent initiative, local newspapers are demonstrating their commitment and providing exactly the sort of practical, hands-on support that will help young local businesses succeed and grow.

"Those that will benefit from the initiative are the very businesses and entrepreneurs that will help to lead Britain's recovery."

Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "This fantastic initiative will make a real difference to new companies up and down the country."

For more information on the scheme and how to enter, visit www.accelerateme.co.uk

The deadline for entries is November 21.