£23.5m funding pot launched for Shropshire businesses
A massive £23.5 million funding pot has been made available for companies across the region to help them turn their growth plans into reality.
The new Business Growth Programme 2 (BGP2) has been launched across the Marches offering grants of between £2,500 and £1 million to B2B companies to drive growth.
New start-ups and existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have been urged to sign up for the programme – with the first deadline for applications on May 1.
The programme is being supported by the Marches Growth Hub, the one-stop shop for business funding advice and support.
Growth Hub chairman Paul Hinkins said BGP2 would play a vital part in helping companies to succeed – and building a thriving regional economy as a result.
“The programme is designed to strengthen supply chains, stimulate innovation and help businesses grow and we know from the success of the original BGP what a crucial role it can play.
“Getting access to this funding can often be the difference between a company having a successful launch or being able to drive their business onto the next level, creating jobs and wealth for the region as a result.
“I would urge any company which thinks this support could help them to expand and create new jobs to start the application process as soon as possible.”
BGP2 – which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Birmingham City Council – builds on the successful delivery of the £33 million Business Growth Programme which closed in December 2018.
It is available to Start-Up B2B SMEs moving into or located in The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership area as well as existing B2B SMEs moving into or located in the area.
Grants of between £2,500 and £10,000 are available to start-up businesses whilst existing businesses can apply for between £10,000 and £1 million.
The Marches Growth Hub offers free support and guidance for businesses on BGP2 and staff at the three hubs in Hereford, Shrewsbury and Telford are available to meet businesses face-to-face to support the application process.
To check eligibility and for more information visit birmingham.gov.uk/bgp2
