TWO businesswomen in Haverhill have spearheaded the launch of an initiative to provide mentoring and advice to firms based in and around the town.

Enterprising Acorns, was officially unveiled by West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock who was among the guests at a launch event held at New Croft, the home of Haverhill Rovers Football Club.

The scheme has been developed by Jan Cavelle of The Jan Cavelle Furniture Company and Theresa Foddering of beauty solon ARevolution on a “time bank” basis.

Although likely to be of benefit mainly to start-ups and smaller firms, the scheme is open to businesses of any size, with the only requirement for anyone who wishes to apply being a willingness to pledge to put back an equal amount of time so that they help someone else.

For someone starting out in business, it is accepted that they can pledge the time further down the line, once their enterprise is more established and they have been able to gather some experience.

Initially, the founders have enlisted 30 entrepreneurs from across East Anglia who have pledged around 150 hours to the town. They range from international business coaches, Queens Awards winners and serial entrepreneurs to “one man bands”, and come from a wide variety of backgrounds to maximise the chance of the right advice being available to applicants.

Details of the scheme are available at www.enterprisingacorns.com. The site is also intended to function as an online business community.