�Four firms from Barking and Dagenham have been shortlisted in a prestigious competition which could see them win free mentoring from Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden.

The Local Business Accelerators, launched in October by regional and local newspapers across the country, will see 1,500 firms receive �15million of free advertising to boost their business.

Across Archant London newspapers, which publishes the Post, almost 60 entries were received from firms between one and five-years-old.

From the shortlist of Barking and Dagenham entries three winners will receive a package of free advertising with the Post and mentoring from local business experts.

At the end of this period one business will be selected to progress to the national final and a chance to work alongside Ms Meaden.

The campaign, run by the Newspaper Society, has received the backing of Prime Minister David Cameron and other government and business chiefs.

Shortlisted entries for Barking and Dagenham are 3D Ministries and Co Ltd, Dainel Raines Communications, BK Security Ltd and Obersteller Beauty.

Barking and Dagenham Post Editor Michael Adkins said: “There has been a diverse range of entries which have been of an extremely high standard.

“Our judging panel made up of local business experts will have a tough task deciding on the shortlist and overall winner and those selected will benefit from a great package of support to help grow their business.

“The Local Business Accelerators competition shows how important it is for entrepreneurs to work closely with their local newspaper and for both to value each other’s role in their area they represent.”

From now until February next year a panel of judges will be assessing the entries to select three winners and select one to go through to the nationwide final.

Jamie Banks, an influential committee member of Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce and Mark Kass, head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Barking Enterprise Centre, are among a panel of judges.

LOCAL WINNERS

n Three months of free advertising in the Barking and Dagenham Post

n Support and advice from a locally-based mentor for the same period

n The chance to progress to the national final

NATIONAL WINNER

n Mentoring and advice from Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden

n �10,000 prize from the Business Growth Fund

n Support from a top creative advertising agency.

n Free membership of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) for a year,

n Free business advice from the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) valued at �2,000.

n An iPad from accountancy firm Freeagent and a year’s free access to its accountancy software to each national finalist, valued at �300 each.