A brand-new scheme is underway in Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Spennymoor, aimed at supporting businesses bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
The Pandemic Business Recovery Grant, managed by South Durham Enterprise Agency and supported by the Local Area Action Partnerships and Elected Members, gives businesses the chance to apply for 60% grant to fund their project.
This project is funded through South Durham Community Led Local Development Programme as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
The pandemic is continuing to have wide reaching implications on communities, giving businesses unique challenges around accessing markets, keeping staff and customers safe, or responding to new an emerging trend in consumer behaviour.
The grant, which can fund new equipment, tools, machinery, capital works and consultancy projects, is designed to help businesses deal with these new challenges. Giving them the tools, they need to create stronger businesses in the local area.
Sarah Merryweather, Grant Advisor working on the project commented; “The interest generated to date has been overwhelming, businesses quite clearly need support to cope with the world that’s changed rapidly over the last 2 years and the grant is a brilliant way for businesses to cement their recovery or grab that new opportunity with both hands.”
Grant advisors from South Durham Enterprise Agency are available to support and guide applicants through the process, making the application a detailed, but issue free process.
People who live in the communities mentioned can also take advantage of a unique start up grant, aimed at helping them get their new business idea off the ground.
Sarah added; “Despite the difficult time we’ve all experienced there are new opportunities out there and we’ve been really pleased with the number of people thinking about taking on new business challenge.
“Starting up a new business is never easy, and the offer of grant support can make that difference between getting something going or leaving a brilliant idea on the shelf. The support on offer makes things much more approachable”
The grant and wider scheme received support from the Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland & Shildon Area Action Partnerships, Elected Members from both Bishop Auckland & Shildon and Spennymoor and Community Led Local Development.
The scheme runs until the end of year and has been incredibly popular.
Businesses or individuals who are interested should email sarah@theenterprisegency.co.uk or call 01388 776688 for more information.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
