Business Start-Up Grant

The Grant is available on a first come first served basis to those setting up or expanding a business which satisfies all the following criteria:-

• is located in the Cheshire West and Chester* area; (Chester, Ellesmere Port, Winsford, Northwich and outlying rural areas).
• is up-to-date with Council Tax and Business Rates at the time of application.
• holds valid planning approval (if appropriate).

The Grant is NOT available for:

• Working capital.
• Vehicle repair.
• Items under any hire purchase agreement.
• Items not considered by the grant panel to be either essential or good value for money. 
• Any legal or mandatory expenses.

Criteria

• The Business Start-up Grant is open to enterprises that have started trading or registered with HMRC Revenues and Customs for up to a maximum of three months.
• Applicants must provide evidence that they have received formal business advice from a recognised source and have an up-to-date business plan.
• The grants panel must be satisfied that the business is viable and the grant is necessary for the purposes of starting up.
• All Grants are discretionary (i.e. not automatic).
• Grant sum available to a maximum of £500.

Procedure

Applicants will be reviewed by a grant panel consisting of a representative from Blue Orchid the Sub Regional Start-up provider, Business Link North-West, Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance, A4E contract managers for Enterprise Coaching and Start-up Programme and a Senior Economic Development  Officer Cheshire West and Chester.

The grants panel will meet once a month to assess applications.

*  If you need confirmation of the geographic eligibility, contact Christine Jackson on
0151 356 6559.

Process for applications

1. If you feel you are eligible and fulfil the criteria please complete the Application Form. 

2. You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application.

3. You will be notified as to whether you are successful in being offered a grant.

4. Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback from a Cheshire West and Chester Officer and where possible other support to be identified or referrals made.

5. The process from receiving your application form to being informed of a decision should normally take no more than 8 weeks.

Any queries should be directed in the first instance to Christine Jackson, Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Tel:  0151 356 6559

Fax: 0151 356 6600

Email: business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Cheshire West and Chester, Regeneration, Council Offices, 2^nd Floor, 4 Civic Way,
Ellesmere Port, CH65 OBE.

What then?

The grant offer will be made to you by letter inviting you to submit original receipted invoices for the total project expenditure.

Original invoices will be sent back to you and a grant cheque will usually be sent to you within 14 working days of the receipt of invoices.

Note

• The decision of the Grants Panel is final.
• The amount of grant offered, is up to a maximum of £500
• Any grant offer must be confirmed by email or in writing to the Borough.
• Any grant offer must be taken up by 31 March 2010.
• A grant will only be paid for items and purposes set out in the original application. 
• Grant assistance cannot cover the VAT element of the cost of goods.

The letter offering a grant can be shown to your Bank Manager who can often arrange to bridge the cost of your project between payment for the goods and receipt of your grant cheque.

• You may be requested to participate in any publicity in relation to the scheme.

Business Start-Up Grant Application Form (PDF 102 kb)