Deadline approaches for Shropshire Council's Business Enterprise Fund applications
Shropshire Council is reminding businesses to get their applications in for funding by 5pm on Monday 3 December 2012 as part of the latest round of the Shropshire and Herefordshire Enterprise Fund.
The £1.1 million fund, from the European Regional Development Fund, was launched in October 2011 and was designed to boost existing businesses profits and bring to life budding ventures.
To enable businesses to find out more about this fund, the council is holding a free information event on Tuesday 27 November 2012 from 9am until 11am at The Academy in Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury.
Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth and prosperity, said:
“Shropshire and Herefordshire have declining rates of new business starts, and this was further impacted by the economic downturn where we witnessed more traditional sources of finance for businesses falling sharply. Through the new enterprise fund, the council can really boost enterprise and help businesses succeed.”
The fund is open to any business within Shropshire and Herefordshire operating a Business To Business model (this also includes tourism businesses that operate directly with consumers) and is not involved in agricultural activities. Grants are available of up to £5,000 for existing businesses, and £1,500 for start-ups and businesses that have been trading for up to nine months. All funds have to be matched 50% by the business.
The business support officers at both Shropshire Council and Herefordshire Council are available to assist businesses with the application process, and if required additional support can be assessed through free business advice clinics in Shropshire. Support is also available via networks such as Heart of England Fine Foods, Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE), Prince’s Trust, Young Britain, etc.
To date, £133,520 has been awarded to new businesses and those wishing to expand. Further rounds of funding are planned for 2013.
Further information and case studies are available on the website shropshire.gov.uk/sbef. For an application, please contact business support at Shropshire Council on 01743 252596 or email business@shropshire.gov.uk.
