Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the 'outstanding' reaction to a £2.1 million fund for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the area.
The 'Bridging the Gap' fund, which offers grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to companies across Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth, was inundated with bids before the July 31st deadline. Over 100 applications were submitted, with requests totalling more than double the £2.1million pot.
Caroline celebrated the huge response to the fund, which is the result of a successful bid for Regional Growth Fund cash initially pioneered by the local MP. She said:
"I always knew that Gosport had a fantastic entrenurial spirit, and the response to this fund really proves that local people have the get up and go to make their business dreams a reality. It's great news for local jobs and growth, and I commend the Solent LEP and Portsmouth News for making this all possible".
The Solent LEP will now review the bids, and report back to companies and entrepreneurs in September.