A new website has been launched to help young people starting their own business.

Developed with £125,000 of funding from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and £345,000 from the DTI, the Shell LiveWIRE's website provides 24/7 access to an online one-stop shop for the most comprehensive and up to date business start up information on the Internet.

The site, which is designed for people aged 16-30, covers all of the essential stages in starting up and developing a new business, from identifying a business idea and producing a business plan, to information on raising finance and exporting.

The main elements of the website are: * The Big Trip - which helps people to map out their career path, and discover if they have what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

* Unlock Your Potential - is an interactive learning section, which helps people develop business ideas and test their commitment before taking things further.

* Be Your Own Boss - is an online library with customised information based on five core business areas.

The five interactive learning modules are general management, sales and marketing, finance and funding, business planning and personnel.

There are hundreds of different articles to help achieve success in these areas.

www.shell-livewire.org also provides a discussion forum, which enables young entrepreneurs to share business experiences, including asking for, or giving, advice to others in the same situation.