Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils have secured European Regional Development Funding to run the Business Enterprise Fund jointly, with £500,000 available in each county for start ups and businesses to bid into over the next three years.
For individuals wanting to start up a business, capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible investment or a maximum of £1,500.
For small and medium sized businesses that are currently trading, capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible investment or a maximum of £1,500 for those trading under 9 months old or a maximum of £5,000 for a business over 9 months old.
Due to European regulations, the Fund is restricted to certain sectors. Unfortunately, the fund cannot support:
- Retail and other businesses that solely sell products or services directly to the general public
- Land-based industries including farms and business that produce, process or bring to market agricultural products
Refer to the attachments for further exclusions.
The next application deadline is 10 February 2012.
Please download the attachments for information on the eligibility criteria and application process. To discuss your eligibility and receive an application form, please telephone using the numbers on this page.
Businesses seeking any sort of finance need to develop a robust business plan and marketing strategy to provide the financier, be it a bank or government body, with the confidence to invest in it. Refer to the guides and templates that are downloadable on this page for assistance with business planning and marketing.