MORE than 100 businesses across BCP are set to receive funding to generate “pride in place” and provide benefits for the wider economy.

BCP Council hopes local businesses will be able to bounce back and thrive thanks to £3million in funding for innovative long-term economic development and future growth projects.

Launched in April 2021 and running for two weeks, hundreds of applications for BCP Council’s Bounce Back Challenge Fund were received and now funding is being offered to more than 100 businesses.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, BCP Council’s deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy, said: “We’ve been amazed by sheer number of innovative project ideas that have been received.

“Having carefully considered all applications, we are delighted to now begin issuing this funding to local businesses.

“Their projects will play a key role in helping the business community to leap out of the pandemic and thrive over the next year.

“We believe we are the only local authorities in the country to have developed this sort of discretionary scheme, which will ensure the success and vitality of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for the future.’’

“Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we will be sharing some of the exciting projects which will now be brought to life.’’