New grant will boost small businesses

A new grant scheme to help District micro enterprises grow is launching in April. 

The Blaby Business Grant Scheme was approved by Blaby District Council’s Cabinet Executive as a one-year pilot project with a £25,000 grant pot. 

Micro businesses, employing one to 10 people, make up some 90% of local companies in the District.  

These small companies often struggle to access funding grants because they are unaware of relevant schemes, lack the expertise to apply, or want amounts too small to fit the criteria. 

Continued work between the Council and local firms, who are members of the new Blaby District Business Board, has found there is a local need for small companies to have access to simple, practical help to grow. 

The Blaby Business Grant Scheme will meet this need, providing small sums to help ventures to develop. 

The money could be used for a range of improvements including increasing productivity, developing digital tools, expanding premises, actions on decarbonisation, reducing running costs and sprucing up shopfronts. 

Two grants will be available for businesses meeting the criteria: 

• Shop Front Improvements Grant 

A total pot of £5,000. To improve the appearance, accessibility and safety of local business premises. 

• Decarbonisation and Business Growth Grant 

A total amount of £20,000, granting up to £3,000 per business (with a requirement for 50% to be match-funded), to help cut carbon emissions, or support a business to improve products, services or ways of working. 

If successful the pilot could be extended to offer extra support to micro business owners.  

Marc Greenwood, Blaby District Council Executive Director for Place, said: "We are proud of our work in helping firms to access external loans and grants. However, this funding tends to be targeted at medium to large operations, leaving few options for smaller businesses. 

"We hope our new Blaby Business Grant Scheme will help fill this gap and provide valuable extra funds to make real change for micro enterprises. These are tough times for businesses in every sector, so we hope this new initiative will make a positive difference."

Further details about the scheme will be made available soon. If you have any queries about what Blaby District Council can do to support your business, click Support and Advice for Businesses or email: enterprisingblaby@blaby.gov.uk