JOBSEEKERS and entrepreneurs in Colchester have been given £42,500 in funding.

Colchester Council handed the money to Signpost, Colchester Business Enterprise Agency and GO4 Enterprises to support their work helping businesses get off the ground and providing work and education opportunities for residents.

The £20,000 from the Enterprise Skills and Employment grant awarded to Signpost will allow more Greenstead Job Club sessions, where increasing numbers of unemployed residents are being referred.

The employment support centre offers training opportunities, CV writing classes and job search skills.

GO4 Enterprises will benefit from £7,500, enabling it to provide equipment and training for some of the 1,100 Colchester 18 to 24-year olds who are not in employment, education or training and claiming jobseeker’s allowance.

It also works with offenders to try and stop them committing further crimes.

Colchester Business Enterprise Agency received £15,000 to provide one-to-one advice, support and training for anyone looking to start a business.

The agency manages two centres in the town centre and in the north of Colchester, where tenants get on-tap advice, along with an office with general reception and meeting facilities.

Nick Barlow, councillor for economic development said: “We are delighted to award grant funding to these experienced local organisations.

“We’re confident they will help give people the chance to improve their skills and keep Colchester’s economy thriving.”