TRADERS and entrepreneurs are poised to bid for their share of a £2m cash pot aimed at boosting businesses in Hampshire.
The Southampton Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) launches the bidding process at an information evening being held from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, May 21, at the Southern Daily Echo offices in Test Lane, Redbridge.
The LEP secured the money from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to extend its ‘Bridging the Gap’ programme, which is in partnership with the Daily Echo and Southampton City Council.
Funding is available to individuals and small and medium- sized businesses (SMEs) in Southampton, the Isle of Wight and waterside parishes in the New Forest, with separate pots for SME start-ups, SME growth, SME safeguarding and Ford Impact funds.
Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses and the banking sector will brief applicants at the meeting and will also be offering businesses advice on how to maximise their company’s profits.
Anyone wanting to attend the event must book their place in advance by emailing bridgingthegap@solentlep.org.uk before Wednesday, May 15.
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