Winchester civic chiefs launch pilot scheme to help small businesses (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester civic chiefs launch pilot scheme to help small businesses

1:12pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Winchester

WINCHESTER City Council has introduced a new pilot scheme of grants to help develop and support micro businesses based in the district.

Businesses with up to nine employees can apply for grants of up to £1,000 on items they need for expansion.

These might include: purchases of IT equipment, website design, recruitment costs, help with relocation costs to expand the business or anything else which is essential for developing a micro business.

Rob Humby, deputy leader and portfolio holder for strategic planning, economy, tourism and estates, said: “The new micro business development grants are one of a number of ways the council is supporting businesses located in its district.  Earlier in the year we introduced improvements to help rural businesses with the planning process.  We have also recently launched a new apprenticeship grant scheme to help young people starting an apprenticeship.”

Alison Woods, council economy and arts development manager, added, “Feedback from businesses has also indicated that they would like local government to reduce red tape so we have tried to make the application process as straightforward as possible.

“This is a pilot scheme which will be reviewed at the end of the financial year.  If it is successful we hope we may be able to introduce the grants on a more permanent basis.”