Business Booster Grant
Grant opportunity available through Herefordshire Council
The Business Booster Grant Scheme is to support the growth or diversification of existing micro, small and medium sized businesses at this time of economic downturn and address the challenges of accessing finance. The scheme will support a range of initiatives including research and development, marketing, product development, diversification, etc. When assessing your application particular emphasis will be placed on innovative solutions for your business.
Successful applicants will be offered a grant of between £250 and £4,000, which is to be match funded by the applicant. The Scheme will offer a maximum match funding of 50% but for a particularly innovative scheme we may offer more.
The scheme aims to help develop a diverse and dynamic business base in Herefordshire by:
• Contributing to the creation of new employment opportunities.
• Helping young but growing businesses to make a significant change in their
development.
• Helping existing businesses to access new markets.
• Encouraging innovation, diversification and business growth.
• Enable businesses to become VAT or PAYE registered.
Eligibility Criteria
• The business must be independent and located within the administrative area of
Herefordshire Council.
• Have been established for more than six months.
• The funding available for this scheme is time limited and therefore the activity
identified in your application should be completed and grant claim paid by the
31st March 2011.
• Have the ability to match fund a minimum of 50% of the project costs, evidence will
be required.
• The business must be classed as a Micro or SME (Small or Medium Enterprise) of
not more than 250 employees.
• Before the grant can be offered, the applicant must have had contact with a
Business Link Advisor.
Your details will automatically be sent to them once your application is returned. But if you would prefer to speed up this process we can ask that you be contacted prior to submitting your application, which will give you an opportunity to discuss your proposals.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Deadline for Business Cases to be submitted is 30th June 2010—4:30pm
The application process for this scheme is in two stages, the first stage being the completion of an application form which will be assessed for eligibility. If your application is deemed to be eligible under the scheme you will then be invited in writing to submit a Business Case which will then go in front of the grant panel after 30th June 2010.
For further information about this scheme and to talk through any ideas and proposals please contact Lyndsay McCron
Tel: 01432 383633 email: lmccron@herefordshire.gov.uk
Application forms can be downloaded from:- www.herefordshire.gov.uk/Business/grants
