LEAP small business funding for local start-ups
Recognising that many new businesses have missed out on Government’s COVID-related grants, the latest round of LEAP small business funding is focussing on the start-up sector.
If you are a new business with less than 20 FTE employees and who have registered within the last 12 months (as of 1 September 2020), this funding programme could be just for you.
Round 3 of funding opens 31 March and closes 30 May 2021 and there is still funding available to apply for. You can apply for up to £2,000, which you will need to match with additional funds (30% of the total project cost).
Grant recipient Lisa Brace, Bold PR
"The LEAP business grant meant that my website could be created, giving me a window to the world to promote what my business does - something which is hugely helpful considering the current environment."
|
|
 |
Get your start-up off the ground
Are you thinking about starting your own business or turning your hobby into something you can grow? We are here to help.
There's a lot of information out there and we have put together links to some of the best advice and training resources available.
Visit our website to begin your journey as a start-up
We hope the links below will help you with your idea or your fledgling business. If you'd like to talk to someone, get in touch by emailing the Economic Development Team.
|
COVID-19 Business Grants
There are a number of grants still available to customers whose business has been impacted by local or national lockdowns since November 2020.
These grants will close on the 31 March 2021 and therefore, if you are considering applying, you must ensure you have submitted your application before midnight on the 31 March 2021.
Find further information and apply on our website
The Government has announced new grants schemes from the 1 April 2021 and has recently issued guidance to us. As soon as the schemes are open for application, further information will be published on our website and shared through these email updates.
|
Guidance to help you reopen your business safely from lockdown
Following the Government announcement of the roadmap out of Lockdown, the “COVID-19 response – Spring 2021” was published in late February.
Full version of the document can be found on GOV.UK COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021 (Summary)
The plan sets out 4 steps to the lifting of restrictions, with a projected final date of no earlier than 21 June where it is hoped the majority of restrictions on the way we live our lives and run our businesses will be lifted.
To help your business know what to need to do for steps 1 and 2 of the roadmap, we've updated our website with guidance and we will provide updates as further information and clarification is announced.
Read our guidance to help your business emerge from lockdown safely.
|
One week left to sign your business up for the Virtual Jobs and Skills Fair
There's just one week left to register your business for free and showcase upcoming opportunities to hundreds of local job seekers at our first Virtual Jobs and Skills Fair on Wednesday 28 April.
The deadline for registering is 31 March, so there's no time to lose. Follow the button below to register for free.
|
|
