THE Isle of Wight is one of the region's entrepreneurial hot spots according to new government figures.
The Island has had the second highest number of start-up businesses created by jobseekers taking advantage of loans from the New Enterprise Allowance since it was introduced in 2011.
The fund awards loans of up to £25,000 to help with start-up costs and successful applicants also have access to a business mentor and further financial support for up to six months.
Brighton had the highest number of NEA start-ups in the region, at 680, with the Isle of Wight second, with 430.
Medway was third, with 370, while Portsmouth had just 180.
Employment minster Damian Hinds said: "As these latest figures show, thousands of people across the South East have great business ideas, and are taking the steps to turn them into a reality.
"The NEA provides the right mix of expert, tailored advice and support to people of all backgrounds which can be invaluable in the early days of starting a company."
Further information on NEA can be found on https://www.gov.uk/new-enterprise-allowance.