by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Medway's brightest business people can give themselves an edge with up to £5,000 of expert help to develop great ideas.

More jobs could result from the Innovation Voucher Scheme, a joint project launched today by Medway Council and the University of Greenwich.

This pilot initiative awards vouchers that can be exchanged for university services and expertise.

There could be support for product and service testing, new product or business model development, and training in innovation management.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council's portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, hopes the scheme will forge lasting links between growing businesses and the university.

"It’s important to us that businesses can benefit from the changes that are taking place here and this is a fantastic opportunity for our most innovative businesses to benefit from the talent at our universities."

The university’s Ray Wynne, head of innovation development at Innovation Centre Medway, a specialist centre for new technology and high growth businesses, said the scheme would provide entrepreneurs and businesses with a wide range of support for growth.

He said: "I am sure this scheme will prove mutually beneficial and lead to long-term growth and jobs in the area."

Applications, which close on June 15, will be judged by an expert panel and winning bids announced in early July.

Application forms at www.innovationcentremedway.co.uk/innovation-vouchers or ring 01634 887 282 to discuss any project before completing the form.