WELCOME to a new gateway for business start-up dreams in York and North and East Yorkshire.

A platform is being offered to rookie entrepreneurs in the knowledge, science and technology sectors, by the organisers of Venturefest Yorkshire 2005, at York Racecourse, on February 2.

The event, which is likely to attract 2,000 people, is designed to bring together bold commercial ideas with private investors, bankers and others who can make ventures tick, like suppliers, lawyers, accountants and estate agents.

It will benefit all entrepreneurs, but this year new businesses in the region are being offered Innovation Central, a forum in which to showcase their products or services.

It will offer subsidised exhibition space and cut-price promotional material.

The new forum reflects the ethos of the organisers, the York Professional Initiative and key sponsor Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, namely to "connect science, knowledge and technology-based entrepreneurs with everything they need to make them successful".

Among an array of guest speakers will be Sir Ben Gill, former president of the National Farmers' Union and now chairman of the Biomass Study Task Force, as well as Warren Hobden, chief executive of Medcom and winner of the Venturefest 2004 competition which is to be repeated this year.

Professor Tony Robards, Venturefest York chairman, said: "Venturefest is about encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in everyone, young and old, and putting people who have the tiniest spark of an idea together with those who have enjoyed significant business success.

"It's also about creating opportunities for all, and this is reflected in the fact that it is completely free to attend."

Among the first to book a space at Innovation Central is York-based Terrington Data Management, electronic data collection specialists based at the IT Centre atYork Science Park.

Director Mark Williams said Venturefest had much to offer young businesses. "I'm a great believer in networking and I think Venturefest is a great opportunity to put like-minded people in touch with one another.

"We've found that collaborating with others gives us huge scope to develop the services we can offer, and I'm keen to meet people at Venturefest whose products and services complement ours. It's also a great opportunity for us to see and support other businesses in Yorkshire and the North."

Start-up hi-tech, knowledge or technology businesses who want more information can phone marketing manager Richard Morrice on 08456 447665.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, January 11, 2005