Micro businesses in Staffordshire are being urged to bid for a slice of a £500,000 funding pot which has been launched to support firms through the coronavirus crisis.
The new scheme, which has been launched by Staffordshire County Council today, aims to help businesses with nine employees or less and cannot get support from other Government initiatives.
The emergency fund will see grants of up to £1,000 allocated on a first come, first serve basis and will support up to 500 local businesses.
They could be sole traders such as builders, plumbers and mechanics as well as hairdressers, photographers, cleaners and childminders.
Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader Mark Winnington said: "Our priority at the county council, working with our partners, is to ensure we are doing all we can to support businesses – particularly small and micro companies.
"We're pleased to be able to launch our micro-business grant scheme today to give a boost to these companies through an incredibly difficult time.
"I'd urge them to get in contact to ensure they get the maximum benefit and we're advising all businesses needing advice and support to contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub team."
Businesses can apply if they are registered in Staffordshire and have an annual turnover of less than £2 million. To find out more and apply, visit https://bit.ly/2VA6z0o
Alternatively visit www.stoketsaffsgrowthhub.co.uk or call the business helpline on 0300 111 8002.
