Grants still available for ABCD Businesses

Companies in All Saints, Blakenhall and Parkfield have been benefitting for over 2 years from grants of up to £6,000 thanks to the ABCD Business Improvement Scheme. Both existing firms and new start-ups are eligible to apply for the money. To date, about 100 local businesses have had over £200,000 approved, and further applications are welcome.

Grants can be used to cover 50% of the cost of capital expenditure which is purchased exclusively for the business. The grants must be used for new projects and retrospective purchases will not be eligible.

Start-up businesses are entitled to up to £1,500, firms with nine or fewer full-time employees can apply for up to £2,500 and companies with ten or more full-time staff can bid for the maximum grant of £6,000.

Graeme Lockey, ABCD business development manager, said: "This scheme is assisting firms in our area to increase their competitiveness; these are business who are facing increasing market pressure from countries like China and India. Also, a number of factors are discouraging ABCD residents from starting their own businesses; access to finance is clearly one of these factors. This scheme is reducing some of these obstacles, along with guidance from our Small Business Advisor."

More information about the grants is available by email from Bob Heath or telephone on 01902 556164.

A full set of Conditions and Guidance, including an Application Form can be obtained from Bob Heath on 01902 556164