YOUNG entrepreneurs are being urged to tap into a new cash fund to help them set themselves up in business.

Grants of up to £250 are on offer to individuals or groups of young people aged 11-19 to help them develop a product or service and start their own business.

A special drop-in event is being held at Rossmere Youth Centre in Rossmere Way on Tuesday, August 19 from 1pm to 3pm to help youngsters find out more, receive advice from business experts and complete a funding application.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, vice-chairman of Hartlepool Borough Council’s regeneration services committee, said: “Young people are the future of Hartlepool and the key to its economic success.

“Our youngsters are not short of good business ideas, and through these grants and the advice and support which comes with them, we aim to help them on the pathway to success.

“This in turn will help us achieve the Hartlepool Vision - to spark the town’s wider regeneration and lay the foundations for increased economic growth and jobs in the years ahead.”

The grants will come from the Youth Enterprise Fund, which has been set up by a partnership of the Council’s economic regeneration team and youth support service plus training company Amacus.

The money will be distributed through the youth support service’s Grant Givers Panel, which will be supported by local business mentors.

The initiative is part of the very successful Hartlepool Youth Investment Project, in which Hartlepool Council, employers, schools, colleges, the voluntary sector and other key organisations are working together to help the town’s young people.

For more details of the event contact Helen Hadfield of the council’s youth support service on 01429-523900.