Rural enterprise set for boost with new property fund

Vacant buildings in Staffordshire could be transformed into thriving business hubs for SMEs as part of a new initiative.

The Rural Enterprise Programme will make grants of between £10,000 and £65,000 available to businesses that can demonstrate they will create jobs as a result of a move to the refurbished building.

Grants are also being made available to property owners with a business lined up to occupy their premises. Businesses and property owners will need to match fund any grant. The initiative is being coordinated by Staffordshire County Council.

To qualify for support, the properties will need to be converted for manufacturing, creative or service industry use.

The funding can be used for works to build or refurbish workspaces, build extensions, installation of services, access works, car parking and landscaping works needed for planning permission. Properties in all areas of Staffordshire will be eligible, including the county’s towns.

Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader, Gill Heath, said: “It remains a top priority of the county council to continue to support job creation, particularly better paid, better skilled jobs.

“The Rural Enterprise Programme is an addition to our package of support for small businesses, helping them to expand and create jobs. It will also add incentive to Staffordshire businesses to utilise existing buildings and further grow the county’s economy.”

Grants are not available for retail, agriculture, tourism or residential end uses. Funding for the scheme has come from the European Regional Development Fund.

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