European funding worth £20m is on offer for North West start-up businesses, it has been announced today.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the North West has made £20m available to provide support for start-up businesses in areas of the region with higher than average unemployment rates. The fund aims to support "those underrepresented in enterprise".
There is also an open call for applicants to provide technical assistance in carrying out a number of projects. The last ERDF programme ended in December 2011 but this new funding aims to meet the continued demand for self-employment support in the North West.
The ERDF said there will be more calls for projects throughout the year to support business growth in the region. For more details and for information on how to apply look at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/regeneration/regenerationfunding/europeanr...
And yesterday The Echo finally announced its plans for making the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) available. The Echo pitched to become one of the fund distributors last year and now, in partnership with Liverpool Vision, the Echo will offer cash to small and medium-sized firms across the Liverpool area.
The emphasis is on job creation and any money given from the fund must be matched by the business itself. Initial applications are invited from today and a shortlist will be
asked to submit detailed business plans. An application form is available from the Echo.
Final decisions on funding will then be made by a panel including ECHO editor Alastair Machray, Liverpool Vision chief executive Max Steinberg, Medicash chief executive Sue Weir, Tony Caldeira, owner of cushion maker Caldeira, ex NorthWest Development Agency chief, Professor Steven Broomhead, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce chief executive Jack Stopforth and Asif Hamed, founder of call centre business the Contact Company.
Lord Heseltine, who has written a detailed report for the Government on the area, has been quoted as saying: “We know there are countless small businesses out there that are itching to grow and to create new jobs – and we are keen to give them a helping hand to do just that.”
Applications will be particularly welcomed from businesses in sectors focusing on the four major Merseyside target areas for growth – visitor economy, low carbon economy, superport and knowledge economy. But applications from all business sectors are welcome.
