The Isle of Wight Lottery celebrated its tenth birthday with friends and supporters, and some amazing statistics.
The Lottery has lived up to its original aims of creating jobs for Island people for the benefit of the whole community.
It has given interest free loans totaling £500,000 to new and developing businesses, ranging from a taxi company to a tapas restaurant; given out £1.2 million in prize money, with extra prizes to mark special occasions; and run 13 Start Up business courses for almost 150 people.
Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry – who hosted a birthday party at West Wight Sports Centre last week – said the Lottery was more relevant than ever to the Island economy.
“We have to look after ourselves, and we are delighted to have been able to make our contribution to the sustainability of the Island economy,” he said.
Kevin said the Lottery was already looking to the future, with the launch of a new scheme to award small grants to help High Street premises make cosmetic improvements to the exterior of their buildings. “It’s all part of making the Island a great place to live and work, as well as visit,” he said,“And improving our appearance is an important element in giving visitors a positive feeling about the Isle of Wight.”
Guests at the birthday party included supporters of the Lottery, some of the businesses that have received loans, and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Board John Owen CMG MBE DL.
