by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Small firms are being urged to invest £25 million to help British athletes win medals in 2012.

With just two years before the Olympic Games open in London, Sport and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said it had never been more important to have business behind our athletes.

He was speaking at the launch of Our Team 2012 at the British Olympic Association's headquarters in London.

It was attended by Olympic rowing gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent and a number of medal winners and hopefuls.

The fundraising programme aims to raise £25m from 750 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and offer them the chance to join athletes, enjoy hospitality at prestigious venues including the House of Lords, and tickets to major sporting events.

In exchange for around £10,000, SMEs will also be offered networking opportunities in their own region, with seminars, insight and training.

There will be an initial minimum of 30 from each region.

"Supporting the Olympics is not just something the big multinationals can do," Mr Robertson said.

"It is within the reach of every small and medium business in the UK and I'd encourage as many as possible to get involved.

"With just two years to go until the Games begin, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the UK's Team 2012 athletes on their home turf."

Paul Deighton, chief executive of LOCOG, added: "Our Team 2012 is another example of how the London Games are bringing opportunities to companies throughout the country."