Shropshire Business Grants

£1.5m grant scheme opens for business (March 2012)

The Marches Redundant Building Grant Scheme was officially launched in March 2012 and will see small businesses and start-ups in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin given grants to bring unused buildings back into productive economic use.

The project was given £1.5 million as one of 176 successful bids to the Government's
Regional Growth Fund. The bid was endorsed by the Marches Local Enterprise
Partnership and will be administered by Herefordshire Council. It is hoped the scheme will create around 300 jobs between now and March 2017.

The project will support other wider LEP issues as well, helping to regenerate market towns, retain and re-use historic buildings and enabling business expansion. It will also provide an incentive for businesses considering relocation to the Marches region.

There is grant support available of between £3,000 and up to £50,000 for a maximum of 30 per cent contribution towards the project cost. Businesses interested in finding out more about the scheme or wanting to speak to the RBG team about their project can contact 01432 260662 or email rbgscheme@herefordshire.gov.uk

60 million grant scheme announced by Defra (March 2012)

The £60 million Rural Economy Grant (REG) has been established in response to the findings of Defra's Rural Economy Growth Review (launched in November 2011), which identified that large grants (of £25,000 up to circa £1 million) are needed in key business sectors to unlock significant rural economic growth potential – including tourism.

Click here to see the details and click here to download their Appendix of guidance for Rural Tourism Projects.

Please note that Stage 1 (The Outline Application ROUND 1) needs to be submitted by 5.00 pm on the 30th April 2012.

Shropshire and Herefordshire Business Enterprise Fund (November 2011)

Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils have secured European Regional Development Funding to run the Business Enterprise Fund jointly, with £500,000 available in each county for start ups and businesses to bid into over the next three years.

Tourism and leisure businesses such as accommodation providers and attractions are eligible to apply.

Start-up Grants

For individuals wanting to start up a business, capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible investment or a maximum of £1,500.

Business Booster Grants

For small and medium sized businesses that are currently trading, capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible investment or a maximum of £1,500 for those trading under 9 months old or a maximum of £5,000 for a business over 9 months old.

Due to European regulations, the Fund is restricted to certain sectors with key exclusions being retail (i.e. business to consumer businesses) and farming.

Please download the attachments for information on the eligibility criteria and application process.

To discuss your eligibility and receive an application form, please telephone:

Business and Enterprise Team
businessvision@shropshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01743 252596 / 252533
Shropshire Council
Development Services
Shirehall, Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6ND

Click here to visit the Shropshire Council website for more information.

For information about other grants or potential sources of funding for your business, click here.

Please also remember that you can call Shropshire Tourism on 01743 261919 at any time for business, IT and marketing advice and support. We are here to help!

Shropshire Tourism Members Website