First published in Worcester News on 08.09.17
I am delighted to see there has been a lot of interest in two fantastic funds that are available for companies in Worcestershire.
On 29 August the British Business Bank announced a new £120million debt finance fund as part of its wider £250million Midlands Engine Investment Fund.
This fund has been designed specifically for supporting fast-growth organisations and businesses that are looking to expand into new markets, create additional jobs and boost productivity.
The £120million fund includes £30million of small business loans valued between £25,000 and £150,000, as well as £90million of debt finance worth between £100,000 and £1.5million.
For more information, visit the Midlands Engine Investment Fund website, www.meif.co.uk
The Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) is also available to businesses throughout Worcestershire, with grants available from £2,000 to £20,000 to help lower energy bills.
Worcestershire-based businesses are being offered free energy efficiency assessments to highlight where the company can use their energy more efficiently, reducing costs and improving environmental credentials in the process.
As part of the BEEP programme, the free business assessment offers 2 days of support worth up to £1,000 of equipment, premises, processes and performance to find opportunities for improvements in energy usage.
Following the assessment, businesses will be given a report containing recommended actions with the opportunity to apply for up to £50,000 worth of grants for projects.
As always, there is more information available on the many business support funds and programmes available to local businesses via Worcestershire Business Central. Contact Worcestershire Business Central by phoning 01905 677888 or by emailing info@business-central.co.uk
For more information on the criteria of both of these funds and to apply, visit the Worcestershire LEP website, www.wlep.co.uk
