The two schemes offered with grants of £1000-3000 for small businesses as part of government help to recover from Covid-19, are opening soon, via the LEP Growth Hub, with a very short application deadline – closing Monday 5 October. There will almost certainly be high demand for these grants (probably oversubscribed) so it is crucial to apply as soon as the process opens at 10.00 am on Wednesday 30 September. If you’re intending to apply it is vital you have your idea ready and prepared in advance of the grants opening. Not all who apply will be successful and applications will exceed the amount of funding from government; so it is very important that you check the criteria and make sure to fulfil the objectives of the programme with a succinct and realistic project bid.
You will need to tell a compelling story in your application, with clear evidence/facts about your grant idea, your current business situation, and your future plans. Clearly describe what impact Covid-19 has had on your business; e.g. loss of income, need to adapt to a changing market and reach new customers, lack of footfall, staffing or recruitment problems, supplier delay or cancellations and how you have had to adapt your business model so far.
Think about what professional support, new (minor) equipment or technology could help deliver a mini activity/diversification for your business that will help you to recover from Covid-19 and become a more sustainable business. Include the impact it will have on your business if your application is successful, such as increased turnover and profits, better prospects as a business, helping the local economy and minimising future issues for your business, reaching new markets, offering new products or services.
For more information on the official launch details and the application process, please follow the link here.