BUSINESS FUNDING
Funding boost for rural businesses
R
ural enterprises across Stafford Borough, including in Stone and Eccleshall, have the opportunity for a share in more than half a million pounds to help them grow. A spokesman for Stafford Borough Council said: Manufacturing, construction, and logistics are just some of the sectors in the many borough villages, and other rural areas, which could be entitled to one-off grants of up to £10,000. Applications for a share of the pot of more than £500,000 has now opened. It is the latest phase in an
initiative launched by Stafford Borough Council aimed at helping specific sectors to thrive. The money can be used for a range of assistance such as specialist marketing or legal advice, website design or new IT equipment. Since March 2020 the borough council has distributed more than £47 million to businesses who have struggled due to restrictions introduced to combat the spread of Covid19. The money will be given on a first come first served basis and has been introduced to support rural growth following the
challenges of the pandemic. Applicants will have to meet certain criteria including an annual turnover of less than £50 million; 75 per cent of sales income is from other businesses; and that they can show evidence of a reduction in turnover due to Covid-19. A team of council advisors will be on hand to help applicants as part of the process and any applicant will have to demonstrate their growth plans. The closing date for applications is February 14, 2022. For further information go online to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/busi ness-recovery-grants.
