06 May 2009
Businesses in the Caerphilly county borough can now benefit from a major new grant scheme aimed at supporting smaller firms.
Caerphilly, along with five other local authorities in south east Wales, has been awarded Convergence Funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to provide grant assistance to businesses within the area.
Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Ron Davies, said, "The council is keen to assist local businesses of all sizes and we offer a wide range of support packages covering everything from start-up grants to marketing activities. This new Local Investment Fund programme will bring many benefits to our firms and we are keen to encourage businesses to come forward to discuss their eligibility."
Businesses or business start-ups that are investing in any of the following to expand or start their business may be eligible to apply:
- Capital Equipment
- Marketing
- E Commerce
- ICT
- External & Internal Building works and alterations
This week sees the start of the first European SME Week, taking place from 6 to 14 May 2009. The aim of the campaign is to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. It allows SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities.
To qualify for grant assistance, the business must be a SME (under 250 employees) in the manufacturing, service to manufacturing, business-to-business service sector (minimum 75% business to business) or tourism. In certain circumstances other businesses may qualify so please if in any doubt please contact us to discuss although businesses in the retail sector and those providing a local service are excluded.
The Local Investment Fund (LIF) can provide up to 35% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum of £5000 (minimum grant £1000).
For further information please contact 01443 866222 or e-mail business@caerphilly.gov.uk
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