The Small Grants – Businesses fund has been established to support business growth and expansion in East Cornwall. Projects will be supported that develop micro businesses and social enterprises,particularly those related to tourism, primary products and the development of local sustainable supply chains for food, crafts and energy.
There are three funding rounds per year. Closing dates at the end of February, June and October.
Click here to download the leaflet which summarises the Small Grants – Businesses scheme
Projects may be for:
- Purchase of equipment
- Adaptations/improvements to premises
- Start up revenue costs
- Marketing
- Improving energy efficiency/reducting environmental impact/waste minimisation
- Market research, product development and market testing
- Improving skills and knowledge
Specifics
- Minimum grant request of £1,000
- Maximum grant request of £10,000
- Three funding rounds per year. Closing dates at the end of February, June and October
- Applicant businesses must have a business trading address in the East Cornwall Local Action Group area
- The business must have less than 10 employees (including directors), and a turnover of less than 2m euros
- Advice on developing the business needs to be sought from appropriate sources eg South West Rural Enterprise Gateway, Business Link, Enterprise Agencies, CoActive
- Single business projects are unlikely to receive grants from Local Action of more than 30 - 35 % of overall project costs
- Grants for social enterprises may attract a higher intervention rate
- Applicants can resubmit a project once in a year
- Payment will be in arrears
- Vehicles, basic ICT equipment and actions to meet statutory requirments are excluded
Application process
You will need to complete the online application form so you can tell us about your business and the project you want to do develop it.
As we want to prepare you for the application form, we will ask you to give consideration to the following questions:
- Is the project new and not to upgrade or replace existing equipment?
- Can you prove the need for the project and demonstrate that it makes sound business sense?
- Can you show there will be an increase in economic activity as a result of the project?
- Are you able to list the alternatives to the project that you've considered?
- Will there be benefits in the area that will continue after the end of the project?
- Do you or does someone in your organisation have relevant experience?
- Have any necessary planning permissions, regulatory compliance or consent been applied for?
- Are you able to identify the problems that may arise when delivering the project?
- Does your project contribute to a sustainable environment, energy efficiency and developing a low carbon community?
- Will you be able to start your project within 5 months of a grant offer being made?
- Will your project end by September 2013?
Once you've completed the expression of interest form, send it by email to the manager whose details are on the contacts page.
Next steps
Once you have sent back the expression of interest form, the Local Action Group Manager will assess eligibility, and will tell you if the project is suitable or if further work needs to be done. This stage may take up to 10 working days.
You will then need to complete the application form that is sent to you, and return it to the Local Action Group Manager. You will need to bear in mind the key dates of the end of February, June and October.
Applications are appraised and a decision on funding made by the Small Grants – Businesses panel. This stage may take up to 6 weeks for a decision to reach you after submission of a completed application form.
Click here to download the leaflet which summarises the Small Grants – Businesses scheme
Click here to find out about the Small Grants schemes in Clay Country
Click here to find out about the Small Grants schemes in West Cornwall
To receive the latest information on our projects, click to sign up for our e-newsletter below
