A HAMPSHIRE initiative that has been a launching pad for scores of local businesses is getting a euro cash injection worth £842,000.

More than 140 local businesses have signed up to Eastleigh Entrepreneurs since it took off less than three years ago.

Now the borough council-run scheme, which helps and promotes small businesses, is about to embark on an expansion that will roll across south Hampshire.

It comes after the European Social Fund approved funding to run the new project, which is worth £842,000 over three years.

The project will join forces with other Entrepreneur schemes to provide an effective support group for businesses across the South Hampshire region.

To be retitled Southern Entrepreneurs, the team, which is based at Eastleigh's Barton Park Enterprise Centre, will now be working for small businesses across the south from East Hampshire to the New Forest.

Eastleigh Council's executive lead for prosperity Councillor Peter Wall said: "The grant award is excellent news.

"It means that the project we have started in Eastleigh will now be leading and helping small businesses throughout South Hampshire.

"It rightly acknowledges the efforts of the team involved and I am sure its continued success is guaranteed."

Through membership of the Entrepreneurs sole traders, small businesses can benefit from training in business skills such as marketing, finance and IT.

They also have access to business opportunities through the members' network and can find out about services and support plus advice from business, legal and financial professionals.

The organisation is free to join and is steered by a range of agencies geared to helping the development and success of entrepreneurs.

Anne Dawson, Business Support Manager for Eastleigh Entrepreneurs, said: "We work with professional advisers to make them aware of the issues facing small businesses and ensure that local training support and assistance is relevant to them.

"This includes seminars covering taxation, finance and marketing, first aid courses and regular training courses. We are looking to extending out network of help."

For more information about the Entrepreneurs ring 023 8065 2749.