A new support package will streamline funding support for Shropshire businesses.
One of the aims of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – a fund set up to succeed and improve upon previous EU funding – is to simplify the funding process for businesses looking to access funds.
As a result, Shropshire Council has partnered with Birmingham City Council and others to launch the West Midlands small-to-medium sized enterprise (SME) Grants Programme (WMGP).
Existing small-to-medium sized businesses based in the Shropshire Council local authority area can apply for grants from £5000 to £100,000. Businesses must employ less than 250 people and have been trading for at least 6 months or more.
The majority of applications are expected to be for an average grant of between £10,000 to £20,000.
A larger grant will only be awarded only in exceptional circumstances. This is to make sure that as many businesses as possible can benefit from the limited budget available.
Grant awards will also be limited to a maximum of 50% of the total project costs, with businesses expected to ‘match-fund’ whatever grant amount they receive.
All business sectors are eligible but there are some types of businesses and organisations that will not be able to apply. All potential applicants are therefore urged to refer to the eligibility criteria to make sure they qualify before submitting an application.
The fund is currently open for applications, with the current round closing on Wednesday 28 June 2023. A new funding round will open on Monday 3 July 2023.
Check eligibility and refer to relevant documents here:
The West Midlands Grant Programme
If you want to receive the WMGP application or have any queries please email wmgp@birmingham.gov.uk.
Related information can be found on our UK Shared Prosperity Fund page and the Shropshire Council Newsroom
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