Work on kick-starting hundreds of new Bradford businesses following success in securing £21 million of Government cash will begin straight away, say regeneration bosses.

Bradford Council is swinging into action a programme of schemes aimed at creating hundreds of jobs thanks to the £21.4 million award announced last week.

Each bidding council was given £120,000 to see how they could encourage business startups and bright ideas in their area.

Bradford started a pilot project called Enterprise Island in which 140 budding entrepreneurs were seen by a panel and their ideas assessed, with the top 14 going on to develop their business idea.

The scheme was a winner and Bradford was chosen by the Government for the multi-million-pound cash pot.

Dave Moss, resources manager in Bradford Council's regeneration department, said they were aiming to get the project moving quickly. "We're absolutely stunned and delighted that our bid was successful," he said. "Our full bid is for £66 million over ten years and this is the first instalment. Can you imagine being interviewed for over £2 million per minute? The pressure was enormous but it has all proved worth it for me and the team."

The regeneration team will be negotiating with Government Office throughout March and will form a steering group.

Mr Moss said: "Most of the delivery part of the programme will take place from September 2006 but we hope to have some early actions such as a new version of Enterprise Island this summer."

Edward Stanners, director of J H Clissold & Son Ltd and part of the delegation which won the funding, said he hoped the scheme would help hundreds of entrepreneurs to get their business ideas up and running.

The project will be run under the banner of 'Be Bradford', comprising different work streams over the first three years.

For adults Enterprise Island will continue, Yorkshire Forward will help to host a regional franchise fair, a Bradford Festival of Enterprise will be developed and positive role models of successful local entrepreneurs will be promoted.

Meanwhile, enterprise activities and information and specialist advice sessions with enthusiastic local business people will be provided.