A further £22,000 has been secured to extend a grant scheme to help businesses in Gloucester.
Funded by the City Council the Gloucester Means Business scheme, launched in April 2010, has helped around twenty businesses in the city. In addition to assisting start up businesses in Gloucester there is now also support for existing business in the city which are between one and five years old.
The business start-up grants can see businesses receive up to fifty percent of their rent within the first year of trading. A maximum of £2,500 per business is available for businesses occupying ground floor premises within the city centre.
A maximum of £1,000 is available for those occupying non-ground floor premises within the city centre and a maximum of £1,000 for businesses in other parts of the city.
For established businesses there is also funding available to help access specialist support and advice. This can be through a range of means such as mentoring, support and advice, coaching, training or one on one support.
Paul James, Leader Gloucester City Council and cabinet member for regeneration said, “It is a sign of our continuing commitment to the local economy that we are offering this practical support to business.
“We have seen an increase in enquiries from businesses who are interested in taking a closer look at moving their operations to Gloucester and I’m sure the grant scheme helps to play a part in this.”
The extension of the grant scheme forms part of the City Council’s recently-announced package of support for the city centre.
For more information on the Gloucester Means Business grant scheme visit www.gloucester.gov.uk/business