This week, Forest of Dean District Council launched their new grant scheme aimed at new businesses and social enterprise start-ups.
The grant, which aims to promote sustainable business within the district to the benefit of both business owners and residents, will award up to £1,000 to successful applicants.
Bernie O’Neill, cabinet member for the economy, says: “I am very pleased to announce that the Forest of Dean District Council is launching a new business start-up grant. The Council is always keen to recognise and encourage the enterprising spirit that exists within this unique part of the world. ”
Businesses will be assessed in three separate competitive rounds against six criteria by a panel consisting of Cllr O’Neill, a member of the Council’s regeneration team and a Forest Economic Partnership Director. The criteria are:
- Businesses newly registered from April 2020.
- Job creation.
- Demonstration of innovation including the design and delivery of new products, equipment and services.
- Demonstration of decarbonisation activity, renewable energy use or the introduction of clean technologies.
- Occupation or creation of new commercial floorspace for business use. For this reason, home based businesses are not eligible.
- Increased footfall, visitor numbers, visitor spend and turnover for individual business, town or village centres.
The closing dates for each round are:
- 23 October 2020
- 18 December 2020
- 26 February 2021
- 23 April 2021
- 25 June 2021
- 20 August 2021
- 22 October 2021
The application form is now live on the FODDC website.
https://www.fdean.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/finance-and-funding/