Dorset Growth Hub have opened up applications today for the Dorset SME Recovery Grant.
This grant is a result of the Government announcement that a share of £30 million would be distributed to each Local Enterprise Partnership, including a £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package for small businesses in tourism sector and a further £20 million funding to help smaller businesses recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, Dorset Growth Hub has been awarded a total of just under £550,000 of grant funding to distribute to eligible, Dorset based SME businesses that are trading in the tourism sector as well as the wider economy.
You can now apply for the amount of £1,000 – £3,000 or £5,000 in exceptional circumstances via the Dorset Growth Hub website (http://bit.ly/SMErecoverygrant). These non-repayable grants are funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Grants will be spent on projects to aid job safeguarding and business survival, such as improving websites, implementing new technology, improving use of outdoor space, with awnings and heating and also consulting, accessing expert advice on management, legal and HR.
The guidelines on the Dorset Growth Hub web page www.dorsetgrowthhub.co.uk/recovery-grant also point out what the grant can’t be spent on such as PPE and business as usual items.
Nick Gregory, Operations director at Dorset Growth Hub says “with over 1100 businesses registering their interest in these grants, we are expecting a huge number of applications to flood in over the next few weeks. We have employed 3 new members of staff, 2 part time consultants and 1 full time administrator to deal with the influx of applications and enquiries. They will be doing their best to reply to you as soon as they can, process your applications efficiently and give you a decision on whether you have been successful. We are hoping to do this in a two week turn around, but this is dependent on the number of applications we receive in the first instance. So please bear with us, we really want to get this money to the businesses in need!”
If you are considering applying, make sure to read the full guidance to determine your businesses eligibility along with the project you have in mind. Your business must have been impacted by Covid-19 and you will be asked how the grant will help the business recover.
If you have any questions on the grant please contact Dorset Growth Hub.