A £2m scheme giving grants to creative businesses has been extended until February next year.

Success – which stands for Southeast Urban Coast Creative Enterprise Support Scheme – offers companies up to £150,000 of match funding if they can show their firm will create or protect local jobs.

The initiative, which covers companies in Thanet, has also been widened to include firms in heritage, sports and tourism which can show clear creative links.

It offers up to 50% of match-funding for an investment, paid for from the Government’s £3.2bn Regional Growth Fund.

So far, eight companies in the area have been given more than £423,000 through the scheme, encouraging them to invest £1.3m and creating more than 60 jobs.

Thanet Distrcit Council cabinet member for economic development David Green said: “The Success scheme offers financial support to foster Thanet’s thriving creative scene and strategically encourage job creation.

“I’d recommend all eligible Thanet businesses to explore this option as this is an invaluable opportunity to secure match funding.”

Council leader Iris Johnston said: “Existing businesses can now apply as well as start-ups so any company looking to create jobs through expansion should apply without delay.

“We want as many businesses as possible to benefit from the inclusion of Thanet in this scheme and capitalise on this opportunity.

“This is great news for both individual businesses, residents and the area and I hope to see many more successful applications announced from Thanet before the close of the scheme in February.”

For details visit www.success-creative-fund.biz.