Grant scheme launched to help city’s small firms
A NEW grant scheme has been launched by local enterprise growth initiative Sharing the Success to help small businesses in Leeds expand their business.
The £200,000 Business Growth Fund is aimed at companies based in one of the deprived communities in which Sharing the Success operates including Armley, Beeston, Beeston Hill, Belle Isle, Bramley, Chapeltown, Gipton, Harehills, Halton Moor, Little London, Middleton, Richmond Hill and Seacroft.
To be eligible, companies must employ fewer than 250 people and should be engaged in sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, construction or media production.
Grants from £1,000 to £10,000 are available and may be used to buy capital equipment, make alterations to land or premises, improve security or buy specialist consultancy.
The scheme also requires the expansion plans of the company to be linked to local recruitment.
Simon Brereton, programme manager for Sharing the Success, said: “There’s no doubt trading conditions are tough and for a small business owner finding the right kind of grant support, especially when the pressure is on, can be a time-consuming labyrinthine and often fruitless search.
“We want to do all that we can to ensure that Leeds firms can continue with their expansion plans, despite the recession, and to provide job opportunities for local residents.”
Application forms are available from www.sharingthesuccess.co.uk.
For advice before applying, entrepreneurs should contact Paul Domeney or Rob Henderson on 0113 220 6350 or Freephone 0800 048 0054, or at support@sharingthesuccess.co.uk
