Enterprise agency Edeal is searching for more mentors for its New Deal Self-Employment and Small Business Service schemes.

Both programmes help people to start a business. Job Centres or the Small Business Service, two of Edeal's strategic partners, can recommend individuals or groups with a business idea that could lead to steady employment.

Business advice and support is then provided by a dedicated mentor, making sure a helping hand is always available.

Paul Dallibar is a mentor and his business background includes spells with NatWest, General Motors and accountants Ernst and Young.

He said: "Starting your own business is quite unique. Your normal work support of colleagues, managers and systems when you're employed doesn't exist and family and friends don't understand the issues you face. A mentor can fill that gap."

One of his clients wanted to start a hotel for guinea pigs, looking after other people's pets when they were away.

He helped her start and develop the business into looking after a range of indoor pets, from rabbits to reptiles as well as an agency to find accommodation for cats and dogs too.

The programme has been so successful that demand has tripled during the past two years.

Edeal's chief executive Jim Ridgway said: "Demand keeps on growing as people see a gateway to a secure self-employed future. We desperately need more mentors now."

Mentors need a good general business background with the usual skills. They are continually trained and kept up to date by specialists from, for example, the Inland Revenue. They are paid and can also rely on support from Edeal's team of specialists.

Mr Ridgway said: "Most of our mentors find it is the challenge of getting a business going which they relish. It can be so very exciting."