£1,850,000 is now available for businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals wanting to start up a new business through the "Bridging the Gap phase two fund".

It is hoped this “pot of gold” could generate hundreds of new jobs and give a substantial enhance to businesses in the Southampton area.

The funding will be available for firms in Southampton, the Isle of Wight and the certain areas of the New Forest and is part of the £2.6bn regional growth fund made available by the Government to grow local businesses was launched at an information evening held at the Southern Daily Echo offices in Southampton.

The initiative has been launched by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), in partnership with the Daily Echo and Southampton City Council.

So far 30 businesses have already benefited from the fund resulting in the creation of over 100 new jobs.

To find out more about the Bridging the Gap fund go to www.solentlep.org.uk