SCOTTISH secretary Alistair Carmichael praised a Glasgow ­business accelerator programme on a visit to the city.

He met with budding business brains at the opening day of Entrepreneurial Spark's latest boot camp.

The fresh-faced entrepreneurs are based at Glasgow Caledonian University until Tuesday, learning about the programme which aims to help them launch their businesses.

Mr Carmichael said such events added to the "backbone" of the economy.

Throughout the five-day boot camp, each entrepreneur will attend a number of seminars and workshops covering key areas of the business start-up environment.

As well as learning about pitching, selling, customer relations and legal issues, the entrepreneurs will also get to know the mentors they will be working with at ESpark's three bases, or 'hatcheries,' in Glasgow, ­Edinburgh and Ayrshire.

Mr Carmichael said: "Events like this help budding entrepreneurs become their own boss, inspire creativity and confidence, generating more jobs and adding to the backbone of our economy. The UK Government recognises that entrepreneurs and small businesses are central to its long term economic plan."

Jim Duffy, who founded ESpark in 2011, said: "The entrepreneurial bug is catching and we are excited by the group of businesses starting their ESpark journey.

"We aim to help every participant fulfil their potential and the boot camp provides us a great opportunity to set out our stall and spark the enthusiasm and imagination of the entrepreneurs.

"There are so many areas to cover, but that's what makes the boot camp a thrill to be a part of.

"This is just the beginning for many of these entrepreneurs and we're delighted the Secretary of State could join us at such an important milestone."