UKSPF Tourism Grant

Introduction

The Tourism Grant provides targeted financial assistance to new and existing Tourism attractions or Accommodation enterprises throughout the County Borough to help small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Wales relaunch, develop, decarbonise and grow to help drive Wales’s economic recovery. The Tourism Grant aims to supports a range of development activities with a focus on helping enterprises achieve their long-term business ambitions, through quantifiable economic, environmental and social outputs that will add value to their operations through an enhancement of their production, service and output capabilities. 

The following guide includes examples of the type of works and activities that could be supported by the Fund. Each application will be assessed by officers on a case by case basis to determine eligible works. Applicant will be able to apply for assistance towards Capital & Revenue activity under specific funding “themes”. Eligible items may include:

Business Development (Revenue)

Eligible costs:

  • Websites and E-Commerce Sites
  • Marketing - one off costs

Business Development (Capital)

Eligible costs: (includes property refurbishment and enhancement and capital equipment)

  • If applying for Building works applicants are required to have sought advice and if needed applied for the relevant planning permission/Building regulations and will be required to supply evidence of this with their application.

Property Refurbishment

  • Signage
  • Structural works
  • Windows and Doors
  • External Lighting
  • Roofs and Chimneys
  • Rainwater Goods
  • Rendering, stone cleaning and repairs, re-pointing
  • Improved Accessibility
  • Walls, ceilings, lighting, flooring
  • Essential indoor or outdoor refurbishment works.
  • Installation of Utilities and Services, including heating
  • Welfare facilities (e.g. essential washroom and cleansing facilities)
  • Capital works to assist with a Community Asset Transfer (CAT)

Capital Equipment

Capital Equipment in this context will be defined as an asset for the business that will generate value over a significant period of time. The equipment must be of significance and considered for capitalisation in the grant recipient’s Statement of Financial Position.

Ineligible expenditure includes:

The following items are NOT eligible for assistance from the Fund:

  • Staff costs for existing employees
  • Taxes
  • Normal running expenses
  • Airbnb Businesses
  • Cost of purchase of buildings, land or vehicles
  • Hire Purchase / Lease Purchase
  • Minor Repairs and General Running Costs (including Utility expenses)
  • Contingency Fees
  • Legal and Accounting Fees
  • Costs of applying for statutory consents such as planning permission
  • Works carried out prior to grant offer (unless approved by the Council in writing)
  • Any invoices paid for using cash/credit card.
  • Working capital costs such as inventory (Stock), rent, rates, admin and/or vehicles
  • Cost of works being carried out as a legal statutory requirement.
  • Works carried out on a domestic property, either new build or refurbishment, or extensions/garden rooms/log cabins, conversion into accommodation business

The Grant

Business Development (Revenue) – The grant for this theme will be a maximum of 50% of reasonable eligible costs, up to a maximum grant award of £5,000 exclusive of VAT (if applicable). Each application will be considered on the basis of its specific circumstances.

Business Development (Capital) – The grant for this Theme will be a maximum of 50% of reasonable eligible costs, up to a maximum grant award of £25,000 exclusive of VAT (if applicable). Each application will be considered on the basis of its specific circumstances.

Business Development (Capital & Revenue) – For business looking to apply for a mixture of both elements the maximum Grant for the Revenue element will be £5,000 exclusive of VAT (if applicable) and the maximum grant for the Capital element will be £20,000 making a maximum total as a whole award of £25,000.

Eligible Applicants – Who can Apply?

The Fund aims to support a wide range of local enterprises and organisations engaged in beneficial economic, environmental, social and cultural activity.

The Fund is open to existing Businesses and new Business Start Ups in Tourism specifically attractions and accommodation businesses, Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, established Community Groups or Social Enterprises; Sole Traders; Partnerships, Limited Companies, Community Businesses, Co-operatives and Registered Social Landlords. Bed and Breakfast businesses may apply but the primary purpose of the building must be to provide tourism accommodation rather than be a residential property. The Fund is also available to businesses who operate large tourist themed events lasting over 1 month.

Contact

More Information and to request an application form – Email business@caerphilly.gov.uk