Published on Wednesday 15 March 2023
Free business support for companies in the BCP area has been launched today, through a new scheme from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
Businesses can register now at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ukspf for a free diagnostic which will provide valuable insights into their operations.
Following the diagnostic stage SMEs will be eligible to apply for a match-funded grant on a competitive basis.
As part of this new scheme the council’s Economic Development team are supporting local businesses and providing grant funding in the following areas to help improve productivity:
- Start-up and growth
- Increasing exporting
- Increasing Research & Development and Innovation
- Decarbonisation & improve the natural environment
- Town and district centres
- Development and promotion of the visitor economy
All applicants will be required to provide detailed proposals, including milestones and expected outcomes.
Applications will be assessed against a scoring matrix, which details the threshold criteria that proposals must meet as a minimum in order to be considered for a grant.
Councillor Philip Broadhead, Leader of BCP Council said:
"We’re well aware of the headwinds companies across our area are battling. That’s why we’ve moved quickly to get this fantastic scheme open for business, so it can help improve productivity and prosperity across our three towns and boost our vibrant economy."
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
More information is available on the GOV.UK website.