A NEW internet service, offering help and advice to small businesses looking for finance, has been launched by the region's development agency.

The new service is part of the 2WM website, a "one-stop shop" run by Advantage West Midlands in partnership with Coventry University and BT.

It offers a range of help and advice and the latest online information to small businesses.

The new finance offering was launched at the Innovation, Technology and the West Midlands event, held at the TechnoCentre, Coventry.

"Tonight's event marks an exciting new development for the internet service we are offering businesses across the region," said organiser Tim Luft, from 2WM.

"We're launching a range of new services, including financial advice. Advantage West Midlands recognises that getting access to finance is probably the major difficulty facing many of our small firms.

"The service we're launching tonight offers companies the latest information on where to go and who to talk to for financial help."

Any businesses wanting advice should go to www.2westmidlands.com

The event also showcased the region's technology and innovation credentials, bringing together 150 cutting-edge businesses in the region.