Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed news that the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and X-Forces have partnered to launch a new growth fund for Armed Forces' businesses.
The fund is specifically designed to help young and start-up businesses from the military community in the Solent region. It will provide crucial growth capital, while the partnership will support and mentor businesses throughout their early years.
A launch event at Portsmouth Dockyard has been organised for 15 October to introduce the fund. This provides a great opportunity for service leavers, veterans, families, reservists and cadets to learn more about the enterprise resources available for Armed Forces in the Solent Region. They will also be able to network with local businesses, hear about X-Forces and the MiliTech program and experience Google's Digital Garage. Speakers will be present from the Government and the Armed Forces community.
Commenting on the news, Caroline said:
"In Gosport, we have a huge Armed Forces community and I know just how difficult it can sometimes be for our service men and women to adjust to life in civvy street. One great way is through enterprise, which enables them to pursue innovative business ideas and use their considerable and diverse skills and expertise.
I am so pleased, therefore, that the Solent LEP and X-Forces are helping to cultivate local businesses through this exciting fund. By focusing on military ventures they will be tapping into a huge field of talent and enthusiasm and I am sure that their guidance and capital will provide the environment in which Armed Forces' businesses can grow and prosper."
More information about the fund and event can be found here.
