£170,000 allocated to boost growth and prosperity for over 30 small businesses
West Oxfordshire District Council has allocated £170,000 in capital grants to 34 small businesses as part of the initial phase of the Small Business Grant Scheme. This funding aims to facilitate improvements that will boost prosperity and transform the customer experience.
Cllr Duncan Enright, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economic Development, said, “Our small businesses play such a big part in shaping the unique and vibrant characters of our district. This scheme is focused on supporting enterprises to thrive and flourish, ensuring they continue to serve the communities that love and depend on them.
“Since the scheme's launch in early February, we're delighted to have allocated funding to 34 fantastic small businesses spanning the district. This support enables them to enhance their spaces, invest in new equipment and furniture, and ultimately boost the overall customer experience.
“We understand the significant challenges many small businesses are facing in the current economic climate, and we are committed to doing what we can to support them. Therefore, we're pleased to announce that a second round of funding will be available to apply for in April.”
The Small Business Grant Scheme is funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
In February, small businesses were able to apply for this capital funding grant of £5,000 to help them grow and adapt. The funding can be used to make business spaces more inviting to customers, purchase equipment to help boost efficiency, renovate their space to diversify and make money in new ways, or invest in eco-friendly equipment to save money on running costs.
Successful businesses from across the district will be receiving funding in the coming weeks.
Applications for the second tranche of £5k grants will open in April, with £215,000 available on a first come, first serve basis. Further details and dates will be available on the webpage once confirmed.