British Airways has announced the winners of the British Airways Business Opportunity Grants in India, an initiative which is part of the airline's commitment to keep entrepreneurship alive and to help stimulate local business.

From over 1200 companies that applied, British Airways has awarded Business Opportunity Grants to 50 small-to-medium size enterprises from across India. Each winning business receives a year�s worth of travel to help stimulate growth and seek out new opportunities. The winning companies have each been awarded 10 return British Airways Club World (business class) tickets to be used between April 2010 and March 2011, the total value of which is in the region of Rs 112 million. In addition, five Regus Businessworld gold memberships have been awarded to each of the winning companies.

The 50 winning companies are from a wide range of industry sectors, including retail, consumer goods, textiles, technology, professional consultancy, finance and legal services.

The mix of companies represents the dynamic and diversified Indian business environment. The programme aims to support them and help bring their businesses to the next level.

The British Airways Business Opportunity Grants programme was launched in Mumbai at the end of November 2009 with support from cricketer Mr Sourav Ganguly, Dr Indu Shahani, the Sheriff of Mumbai, and prominent businessman, Mr Suhel Seth. The scheme was simultaneously launched in the U.S. and U.K., Hong Kong, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates as well.