The first round of grants for 2020 is now available to help promote new small business start-ups, self-employment and entrepreneurship in Tamworth.
The Tamworth Borough Council Start-up Business Grant Scheme continues to run into its third year, offering help to individuals wanting to set up new businesses in the area. The scheme is now encouraging entrepreneurs and small businesses to apply for the New Year’s first round of grants of between £500 and £1500, before the application closing date on Friday, February 28, 2020.
Businesses including a repair services, music tutor, barber and a driving instructor, have all benefited from the grant scheme over the last 12 months.
A total of 55 businesses have so far been supported to the value of £45,821, over the two years since the scheme was launched in April 2017.
To receive these small business grants, individuals are required to meet some basic criteria. This includes attending the Enterprise for Success programme, which provides 12 hours of one-to-one advice and support delivered from Tamworth Enterprise Centre at Philip Dix House in Corporation Street.
The Enterprise for Success programme ensures individuals and businesses have the right skills they need to run their business and results in the creation of a business plan.
To submit an application in this round, individuals would need to attend the two day start-up masterclass on Tuesday, January 7and Wednesday, January 8, at The Tamworth Enterprise Centre; or on Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 15, at the Cathedral Hotel in Lichfield. For more information on the masterclass visit: http://www.tlforbusiness.co.uk/start-support
Cllr Jeremy Oates, Cabinet member for Heritage and Growth, said;
“This successful scheme continues to support individuals wishing to start up in new businesses or who have been trading for less than three years. “Small businesses are the foundation of any thriving economy and using the new Tamworth Enterprise Centre as a ‘hub’ of support and advice can only help grow the local economy.”
Grant applications are recommended to the Cabinet Grants Committee on a quarterly basis for approval. An annual budget of £20,000 has been allocated to the scheme, with around £5,000 being distributed per quarter. This is subject to annual budget reviews and agreements up to March 31st 2020.
To register your interest and check if you are eligible for a grant please contact:
Lorraine Farley (Economic Development & Regeneration Officer) 01827 709525 or email: lorraine-farley@tamworth.gov.uk