Black Country growth scheme re-opens for business

A BUSINESS support and grant scheme designed to help firms across the Black Country to grow and create new jobs has been reopened.
 
Black Country GOLD, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and administered by Wolverhampton City Council, gives SMEs the opportunity to apply for a grant up to £16,000.
 
The second round of the scheme ended in June but it has now been reopened.
 
To date, 15 businesses from across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley have been successful in securing grant funding of more than £220,000. This has resulted in 22 new jobs being created at the companies.
 
As well as grants of up to £16,000, which must be match funded by the firms, a full package of support including workshops and one-to-one business support is also provided.
 
Cllr Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “While the current economic climate has been challenging for SMEs, there is a real hunger in the business community to expand, create new jobs and prosper.
 
“We are therefore delighted to be able to give a helping hand to support this drive.
 
“Our officers have already received a lot of interest from businesses interested in Black Country GOLD and we expect to be handing out many more grants to support enterprises in the future.”
 
Those interested in applying for grants or finding out more information, should contact Jagtar Singh on 01902 551997 or via email on Jagtar.singh@wolverhampton.gov.uk