BUDDING businesses are being given the chance to shine by winning rent-free market stalls.

Four Huddersfield entrepreneurs are to be chosen to launch their businesses for free in Queensgate Market.

The lucky winners will receive a rent-free shop or stall for six months, as well as a £500 grant to pay for signage and shop fittings.

The project – funded by Kirklees Council – is designed to boost the local economy and give new businesses a head start.

Clr Peter McBride, cabinet member for investment and regeneration, said: “I am delighted that we are introducing such a wonderful opportunity to help establish not just one but four new businesses and to provide support to budding local entrepreneurs.

“We are taking a pioneering approach to create and establish new businesses and to develop our home-grown talent.

“Queensgate Market already has some great local businesses and I am looking forward to seeing the ideas that come forward in this competition and watching them develop successfully.”

The competition is open to anyone resident in Kirklees who is not currently working.

Organisers are looking for innovative ideas that will bring something different to the market.

The businesses do not need to be product-focused.

The competition has been inspired by the Mary Portas High Street report.

The council will provide the shop, rent and service charge free for six months. For the next three months only a service charge will be payable. Half the rent and the full service charge will be payable in the final three months of the first year.

The competition was launched at the market’s Enterprise Fair, which offered advice and support to new and potential businesses.

The event brought together a range of support services including the Prince’s Trust, West Yorkshire Homeworking Unit, West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency and Job Centre Plus.

Application packs for the competition are available by emailing maria.cotton@kirklees.gov.uk or by collecting one from Queensgate Market from today, Saturday.

The closing date for entries is July 20.