YOUNG entrepreneurs have been given a cash boost worth more than £20,000.

Five young creative business minds were awarded a share of £21,000, which was handed out by The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership as part of their Young Entrepreneur Fund, which is backed by the Daily Echo.

Among those who are getting a head start thanks to the cash windfall is Bryony Gordon, 22, from Southampton who plans to set up a mobile phone app to connect people working in creative industries.

She was joined by Luke Parker from Fareham, whose ALL7 Productions firm offers a videography for businesses service.

Luke said: “Most of my work is currently based around corporate videos where I produce videos of events, meetings and product videos.

“The funding is the backbone to my business and without it I wouldn’t have been able to buy professional camera and editing equipment as it’s just so expensive.

“It was really easy to apply for the funding and meant I could just get on with starting my business.”

Meeting the budding business minds was Solent LEP Board member Chris Allington and Southampton Solent University Vice Chancellor Graham Baldwin.

Chris Allington, said: “The young entrepreneurs get support and mentoring from many organisations across the region through the fund, which helps to kick-start their businesses.

Entrepreneurship and SMEs are the future of our economy and that starts with young people, which is why the funding is so important.”

The Young Entrepreneur fund was launched in November 2013 by Solent LEP and partners the Daily Echo, Southampton City Council, Solent Further Education Colleges and Universities, Prince’s Trust, NatWest Portsmouth City Council, and The News.

Anyone in the Solent area aged 16 to 24 with a strong business idea is urged to apply for the next round of funding worth £35,000, which is open for applications now.

Find out more or apply at solentlep.org.uk.