Wednesday 18 June 2014

I think we all recognise there has been a dearth of funding and grants around as austerity measures hit hard in the recession. The great news is that there are streams around now for Black Country and Birmingham-based businesses if you know where to look. Make sure you get your share of the cake! Examples include:

Regional Growth Fund - for purchase of equipment, building purchase, upgrade to premises

Green Shoots - be an SME in a position to create or safeguard jobs as a result of the investment

Green Bridge - funding for existing SMEs within the West Midlands to help grow and diversify into the green sector

Black Country GOLD - grant support for existing SMEs within the Black Country operating in the advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transport technologies (including aerospace), business services or environmental technologies sectors

Innovation Networks - Grants of £10,000 are available for capital or revenue expenditure on the development of a new product, service or process

Business Innovation Programme - supporting existing SMEs which have been trading for 6 months or more and are ready to undertake investment in innovative production processes

Innovation Vouchers - encouraging businesses to look outside their network for new knowledge

Growth Vouchers - offers small businesses financial help to gain expert advice on five key business areas -  Managing cashflow, late payments and negotiating finance, Developing skills and taking on staff, Improving Leadership and Management, Marketing, Attracting and keeping customers, Making the most of digital technology

Black Country Business Property Investment Programme - supports SME companies by providing gap funding for infrastructure provision

Black Country Investment Loan Fund - provides loan funding to landowners to fund the cost of site remediation and servicing of sites for employment uses

BCRS Business Loans - available to companies who are unable to access finance from traditional sources

Quite a list!! If you follow this link, there is a useful download of a document produced by Black Country LEP with more details.

If you need any advice or guidance just give me a call!

Thanks for listening.