The final frontier of space is being used to help inspire a new generation of start-up businesses in Bradford.

The Space City project, in November during Enterprise Week, aims to provide would-be entrepreneurs with workshops on what it takes to get your own business up and running.

Organised by Bradford business incubator Velocity, the project has the backing of Richard Branson, whose Virgin Galactic hopes to begin passenger flights into space in the next few years.

The initiative comes as Bradford Council begins to spend the £21.4 million granted by the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) to promote new businesses in the city. As previously reported in the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford needs 2,000 new businesses to catch up with the Yorkshire average.

David Ross, from Setpoint, which encourages the teaching of maths, science, engineering and technology, is one of those leading the project. He said: "Bradford needs something special as a city; why not make it space?

"Statistics from Yorkshire Forward's The Case for Space' study, show that for every pound invested in the space industry there is a £7 return.

"It's an exciting avenue and one that is ideal to promote enterprise."

The Space City event is set for November 13 and will be attended by senior representatives from Virgin Galactic, NASA and the European Space Agency.

Velocity, based in Lister Mills, is home to several companies involved in space-related ventures. Orbit are involved in satellite communications while Space Connections oversee virtually all the space education which goes into the National Curriculum.

Project manager Amanda Lennon said the allure of space and astronomy seemed the perfect metaphor to use to entice people to the event. "We want to hold a variety of classes and seminars to give people all the information they need to start their own business," she said. "People who come along will be able to hear advice on IT, finance, marketing, fund raising and general business advice.

"One of the things we will point out is how ideally suited small and medium-sized enterprises are to tendering for work with the European Space Agency - something most might not be aware of.

"It's not just space or science-related business ideas we want, though, it is suitable for anyone wishing to be an entrepreneur."

The Space City project also intends to work with schools, to use space as a means to increasing student interest in science, maths and technology.

Anyone wishing to get involved with Space City should click on to www.velocitybradford.com for further information.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk