TASTER sessions are taking place across Hampshire to introduce budding entrepreneurs to the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme.

The programme offers a £4,000 grant to new social businesses as well as a fully-funded year-long training programme and business mentorship.

The Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme, which is delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs Hampshire, is based in Winchester and has support from Lloyds Bank and the Big Lottery Fund.

It is offering individuals the opportunity to participate in a 12-month action-based learning programme, throughout which they will receive a grant, a series of interactive workgroup sessions, and a Lloyds Bank colleague as a mentor.

The programme targets individuals setting up entirely new businesses, through its start-up scheme.

The Hampshire taster sessions will be held on Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm at Basingstoke Multicultural Forum, on Wednesday, February 18 from 5.30pm until 7.30pm at The Innovation Space, Portsmouth and on Thursday, March 5 from 10am until noon at Aldershot Enterprise Centre.

Entrepreneurs can find out more, and register to attend a taster session at yourideastart shere.co.uk.