A training programme to help people start their own businesses has been lauched in Sussex.

The scheme comes in response to calls from people who have plans for their own businesses but lack the know-how to exploit them.

The result is an entrepreneurial gap, where the energy and enterprise are there but the expertise to exploit the idea is not.

A pilot programme in Brighton and Hove of new entrepreneur scholarships (NES) is expected to open up new opportunities for the next Richard Branson.

The idea for the scholarships originated in the United States and has been developed and adapted for British conditions.

The scheme will be delivered in Sussex by Eastbourne District Enterprise Agency (Edeal) in partnership with the Prince's Trust, the Sussex Learning and Skills Council and the Canterbury Business School. Its main aim is to reach people living in less-favoured areas, such as Marine, Moulsecoomb and Queen's Park in Brighton, who may have good business ideas.

Speaking at the launch in Brighton, George Collier, Edeal's chief executive, said: "Often these are just the people who need support but don't know how to get it. NES gives us a chance to get out there and find them."

Under NES, anybody over 18 living in a designated area and not in full-time education, who has a realistic business idea, can apply.

Applicants will get a range of support, including a business appraisal, what they need to do to start, where they might raise money, start-up business skills workshops, business school master classes and distance learning by CD-Rom.

They will be helped to develop their business plan, receive mentoring help to put it in to effect and have the opportunity to take other courses.

Each scholar could obtain financial assistance up to £3,500 towards the capital costs of starting up their business.

The immediate aim of the partners behind the scheme is to work with other agencies to help find potential candidates.

Mr Collier said: "Many of the people we're trying to reach simply wouldn't know where to look, but other agencies may know about them and can help them and us.

"Anyone who feels NES is for them, or if they want to know more, should contact us."

Edeal can be contacted on 01323 413500.