Only by growing, will local businesses be able to make more money, employ more people and get the economy moving again.

But growth needs investment – and that is where the banks are failing many local firms who look to them to provide the cash they need to develop new ideas and take on new staff.

From today, however, there is another way for local companies to get the cash they need to kick-start their fortunes.

The money is coming from an impressive £25m fund secured from the Government by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). But there’s a catch - it has to be distributed by the end of July.

And that’s why the Bristol Post is joining forces with the LEP to encourage 400 local businesses – big or small - to go for growth and bid for a share of this “once-in-a-lifetime” pot of cash.

As well as helping to boost the economy, our joint Going for Growth campaign – the money for which comes from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund – is aiming to create or safeguard at least 1,300 jobs.

The West of England LEP is made up of a partnership of business and local government and is seen as a key player in the drive to rebuild the economy in the wake of the recession. The organisation, which takes in the area covered by the four unitary authorities, has been praised by Government and business leaders for leading the way when it comes to championing economic recovery.

Further details of the campaign will be published every day in the Bristol Post.

Several special events are also being planned for firms interested in applying for money from the fund.