ETHNIC minority businesses will be celebrated at the Reebok Stadium in October in a move that will help mainstream companies learn more about Indian sub-continent markets.

The event will be staged by Bolton's Ethnic Minority Business Service as part of the Business Voice 1999 exhibition at the stadium on October 13 and 14.

It will include a collection of local businesses displaying cultural products and services, working alongside those that have penetrated mainstream markets.

Artist Nazeera Atcha, who recently won the Creative Industries Award, is helping to design the exhibition, drawing inspiration from Turkey, Africa, China and Asia.

She will be working with the EMBS to help promote partnerships and improved networking between mainstream and non-mainstream industries.

The EMBS will also demonstrate its own services for both existing and start-up businesses, including grants, loans, expert advice, seminars, business clubs and support programmes. Over the past 10 years it has helped more than 250 businesses to set up and more than 500 to grow and prosper.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.