Going for Growth: 3rd June 2013
Bristol and immediate area in strong position - Business leader backs drive to kick-start economic growth
Bristol and immediate area in strong position - Business leader backs drive to kick-start economic growth
A BRISTOL business leader has given his backing to an ambitious campaign which aims to kick-start growth in the economy in the area.
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership has launched the Going for Growth campaign with the help of a £25 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund and the Bristol Post is backing the drive.
Graham Randall from accountancy firm BDO believes the campaign could be exactly what is needed to get the economy moving not just in Bristol but also in the surrounding area.
The aim is to award grants of between £10,000 and £1 million to firms in the area looking to grow or expand but are struggling to access the necessary funding by traditional means.
The grants have to be matched funded and successful applicants also have to prove they are creating or safeguarding jobs.
Mr Randall, pictured, said: "Even though there are signs of the start of a recovery the market and the general economy is still struggling to get back on its feet.
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership has launched the Going for Growth campaign with the help of a £25 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund and the Bristol Post is backing the drive.
Graham Randall from accountancy firm BDO believes the campaign could be exactly what is needed to get the economy moving not just in Bristol but also in the surrounding area.
The aim is to award grants of between £10,000 and £1 million to firms in the area looking to grow or expand but are struggling to access the necessary funding by traditional means.
The grants have to be matched funded and successful applicants also have to prove they are creating or safeguarding jobs.
Mr Randall, pictured, said: "Even though there are signs of the start of a recovery the market and the general economy is still struggling to get back on its feet.
"Bristol and the immediate area is in a strong position as the business community is still in a relatively healthy condition, there are also plenty of examples of good businesses out there. However, there is still a sense of frustration at the lack of movement in the market at such a vital time."
He added: "If we want to get the economy moving we need to give business and companies as much help as possible.
"This scheme is a great way for ambitious small and medium sized enterprises to access finance to help them with growth plans.
"I believe the conditions are right for Bristol to stake a claim as a major regional hub for economic activity and it is these type of imaginative initiatives which will help get the ball rolling."...
He added: "If we want to get the economy moving we need to give business and companies as much help as possible.
"This scheme is a great way for ambitious small and medium sized enterprises to access finance to help them with growth plans.
"I believe the conditions are right for Bristol to stake a claim as a major regional hub for economic activity and it is these type of imaginative initiatives which will help get the ball rolling."...
How to Enter
The Going for Growth campaign gives firms a unique chance to apply for grants worth up to £1 million.
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership is looking to hand out £25 million worth of funding to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The money is being made available to firms in five distinct areas:
There will also be an easy to follow online tutorial which will guide people through the application process.
Full details of the Going for Growth campaign and how to apply for funding click on the button below "Application Form"
The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership is looking to hand out £25 million worth of funding to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The money is being made available to firms in five distinct areas:
- For firms involved in research and development
- When capital investment is made by small and medium-sized enterprises
- Organisations planning to invest in training schemes
- Organisations involved in the recruitment of disabled and disadvantaged people
- Support for small firms created or launched be female entrepreneurs
There will also be an easy to follow online tutorial which will guide people through the application process.
Full details of the Going for Growth campaign and how to apply for funding click on the button below "Application Form"
