Small Business Grant

Guidance Notes and Criteria

The Small Business Grant Scheme targets expanding companies who can provide evidence of recruitment, demonstrate innovation in products or services that support business growth and expansion.

Given the competitive nature of the scheme priority will be given to those companies who are recruiting or those who can demonstrate they are linked to inclusive recruitment policies with Job Centre Plus.

The Small Business Grant Scheme will be open for applications for a fixed period until Friday 29th January, 2010.

All grants are discretionary and are designed to support existing businesses with viable projects, where grant funding will enable recruitment or expansion.

A grant will normally not exceed 75% of the project cost and the Council will expect to see at least 25% of the costs financed from other sources. All applications must be able to provide evidence of private match funding.

Grants are available from £1,000 up to a maximum of £2,000 dependent on merit. The amount of grant funding made available will be at the discretion of the grants panel.

All applicants will be required to provide evidence of a valid Business Plan.

The Grant is available to those expanding a business which:

• is located in the Cheshire West and Chester area;
• employs 10 people or less;
• £100,000 or less turnover per year;
• is up to date with Council Tax and Business Rates at the time of application and remains so during any grant period;
• holds a valid planning approval (if appropriate).

The Grant is not available for:

• Retrospective purchases i.e. those made before the date of any Grant approved.
• Working capital.
• Vehicle repair.
• Items under any hire purchase agreement.
• Items not considered by the Accredited Assessors to be either essential or good value for money.
• Any legal or mandatory expenses.

Procedure

Applications will be reviewed by a grant panel consisting of 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 Representative from Cheshire West and Chester Economic Development Team.

The panel is chaired by Councillor Stuart Parker of Cheshire West and Chester Council who will have the casting vote.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by Cheshire West and Chester Council and, where possible, other means of support will be identified or referrals made.

Process for application

1.    If you feel you are eligible and fulfil the aims of the grant fund please complete the attached application form.

2.    You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application and you may be required to provide further evidence in support of your application.

3.    The grants panel will meet to assess applications.

4.   You will be notified as soon as possible thereafter as to whether you are successful in being offered a grant.

5.    The process from receipt of 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:  christine.jackson@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Next Steps for Successful Applicants

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 £2,000.
• Any grant offer must be confirmed by the applicant by email or in writing to Cheshire West and Chester Council.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.
• You may be requested to participate in any publicity in relation to the scheme.

Small Business Grant Application Form (PDF 67 kb)