The Intensive Start-up Support Grant Scheme is part of Solutions for Business, the Government’s package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.

Businesses up to three years old, with a workforce of between 1 and 250, who are already located, or are intending to locate, in Ashfield can apply.

The new grants can provide up to £3,000.00 for the purchase of capital equipment on a 50% cash-matched basis, and are to be used to support projects that would not otherwise happen.

The Council’s Economic Regeneration Team has been offering similar types of grant for the past five years and has had good take up from business. Recent grants have helped to fund a wide range of start-up businesses – in areas as diverse as dog grooming and professional photography, with business owners very grateful of the boost the grants have given them at a crucial stage of their development.

Angie Young of Forever Young Photography has been a recipient of advice, support and financial assistance from the Council’s Economic Regeneration team. She commented:

"I couldn’t believe the support and advice given to me by the Economic Regeneration team.  I became involved in the Entrepreneurs Forum and attended the Enterprise in Women events, both of which they organised with their partners."

"If the networking events weren’t enough I was also awarded funding to help me purchase the vital photographic equipment I needed to start the business. The support has been on-going from the Team and I know if I have any questions they are always on hand to help. I think it is great that there is funding to help people like me to follow their dream and turn it into a reality."

Anyone wanting to know if they may qualify for an Intensive Start-up Support Grant, or just wanting additional information, should call 01623 457283 or visit the website at www.ashfield-dc.gov.uk/business