A NEW project to help budding entrepreneurs within the M3 corridor has been launched thanks to a significant grant secured from the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund.

WSX Enterprise is managing the programme which is aimed at people who have been in long-term unemployment and young people not in education, employment or training.

It is a not-for-profit company delivering a wide range of business support and entrepreneurial services including start-up loans, business mentoring, innovation support, and business design.

Partnering in the project are Action Hampshire, Surrey Community Action and the University of Winchester.

The programme is targeting the unemployed, lone parents, older workers, people with disabilities and people in minority groups.

The Inspiring Enterprise programme – part of Building Better Social Enterprises – will support people looking to set up enterprises, social enterprises or to become self-employed.

It offers a host of benefits and those seeking assistance with their future are encouraged to get in touch.

The programme will include a web portal full of information, tools and resources, ‘is it for me?’ taster sessions, workshops, and dedicated mentors.

Peter Grant, chief executive of WSX Enterprise, said: “Since the recession of 2008 we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people starting their own business. This project will target specific groups and help individuals set up enterprises, which can often seem a daunting task.

“We are offering a huge amount of help and support which includes a Friday club for peer-to-peer support, networking opportunities and even one-to-one meetings for those who find it difficult to interact in group sessions.

“We will be running ‘meet the boss’ sessions as well as producing e-newsletters and providing on-going support.

“All the partners have a great deal of experience in assisting people to set up businesses and helping them develop their enterprises.

“Already supported equally by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Union Social Fund, Brexit will have no impact on this project.”

“We are grateful to our partners Action Hampshire, Surrey Community Action and the University of Winchester, who we will be working together with in the delivery of the programme,” added Mr Grant.

The M3 corridor runs from Southampton to the M25 and includes Winchester, Andover, Alton, Farnham, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Camberley, Woking, and Bracknell.