A call is going out for budding entrepreneurs in Merstham to take part in a Dragons’ Den-style business showdown.

Start Up Merstham, an 11-week business development course for anyone in Merstham who has ever thought about going it alone or starting their own business, will start on Tuesday, April 29.

The free business course, backed by Raven Housing Trust, will feature interactive sessions geared to helping participants find out how to start their own business, including registering a company, marketing and doing accounts. The course will run every Tuesday until July 15, from 10am to 3pm.

And at the end of the course, participants will be invited to take part in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch to local business people, who will decide which three businesses with the most robust business plan and highest chance of success should be offered a start-up grant.

Budding entrepreneurs ready to step into the “dragon's den” should call Angela Ellis on 0300 123 3399, or email: angela.ellis@ravenht.org.uk Raven Housing Trust is a social business, investing in homes and neighbourhoods to develop local communities. Website: www.ravenht.org.uk