Communities Secretary Eric Pickles announced a £59 million fund to help boost regional economies as he warned local leaders it was time "to take up the gauntlet of growth".
The money has been earmarked for improving infrastructure, such as links to local road networks and utilities installation, in English enterprise zones.
The 24 zones, spread across 142 sites, offer tax incentives and have simplified planning rules as well as superfast broadband in a bid to attract businesses.
Mr Pickles said the announcement would allow successful bidders to turn "shovel ready sites into job ready sites".
He said: "Economic growth is this Government's biggest priority and enterprise zones are the engine room of that strategy.
"They are a fantastic way to attract the jobs and business investment that local areas need. This new £59 million fund will turbo charge that engine by turning shovel ready sites into job ready sites.
"Enterprise zones have all the raw ingredients and growth incentives - simplified planning, low tax, superfast broadband and inward investment - they need to translate their potential into jobs and growth success. This is an opportunity to lay the infrastructure foundations so they are 'gift wrapped' ready to house new businesses.
"It is time for enterprise zones to take up the gauntlet of growth.
"Local Enterprise Partnerships can do more to make zones realise their potential sooner.
"The Government is determined to work flat out with partnerships to clear any roadblocks in their zone's path so they can forge ahead and deliver the jobs the country's economy needs."
The Press Association, photo by UK in India