Stevenage Business Development Grant open for entries
As part of Stevenage Borough Council’s commitment to supporting an enterprising and innovative local economy, the council is launching its annual Business Grant scheme.
Business owners can pitch for grants of up to £2,500 to grow their company.
The closing date is 28 February and successful applicants will be invited to the Council’s headquarters in March to pitch on how the money will be spent.
Previous winners of the Business Support Grant, include Bike Stop, a motorcycle protective clothing and equipment retailer based in the Old Town, which is also a UK representative for the Italian Dainese brand.
As part of its innovation plans and to future-proof its business, Bike Stop introduced a café in-store and a new website to remain competitive, as well as new offerings to support growth of the business. It holds a number of bike events throughout the year, supporting the wider Stevenage Old Town economy, bringing a wide array of visitors to the town.
Bike Stop owner, Martin Brown said: “We were delighted to have been awarded this Business Grant, as it came at the perfect time to support our new website and truly advance our Old Town High Street retail experience on-line”.
In addition, We Grow Businesses, a small business consultancy firm, was awarded second place, while Stevenage Injury Clinic was awarded a grant of £800 to expand its business by taking a further unit at the Business Technology Centre and marketing to support the introduction of new services.
Councillor Lloyd Briscoe, Executive Member for Economy, Enterprise and Transport, said: “As a co-operative council, we are fully committed to supporting our businesses to accelerate growth and succeed. This is a great way for businesses to access finance in order to support the next stage of growth. I would like to wish all the applicants every success.”
To be eligible to enter, businesses must have fewer than 10 staff, and need to explain their future plans and how the money will support them. For more information on the grant, and to find out how to apply, visit the website http://www.stevenage.gov.uk/business-advice
