Deadline Looms for Business Support Funding in Hounslow
Part of a broader package of measures to help smaller firms
Hounslow is offering free training opportunites as well as grants
Businesses in Hounslow are being reminded that there is grant funding available from the council for firms who have lost revenue due to Covid-19.
Adam Shailes of the Brentford Chamber of Commerce is reminding people that the deadline for the Government Additional Restrictions Grant is on Monday 24 January.
If you haven’t applied and believe you may be eligible click here for further details.
Hospitality businesses in the borough may also be eligible for one off grants of up to £6,000 depending on the rateable value of their premises. Further details of this scheme are on the Hounslow Council web site.
The council is using funding from central government to expand its enterprise support programme. Following the ShopLocal resident voucher initiative, which saw just over £1 million spent across the borough, the next round of the Innovate and Grow business support programme includes mentoring and training as well as grant funding.
Running to 31 March, there are a wide range of free courses and masterclasses for different-sized businesses and sectors.
The free support includes:
- Small business support grant funding
- Green business support grant funding
- Specialist support for town-centre businesses.
- One-to-one mentoring.
- In-depth tools and advice
The programme aims to help existing businesses thrive and navigate the challenges of the pandemic, along with targeting local entrepreneurs to develop their ideas.
The new round of support will also see the launch of two Innovate and Grow small-grant schemes that will help smaller businesses to invest in the borough – promoting growth within the local economy.
Business owners can also choose from a wide range of initiatives, which are best suited to their needs. These include:
Support for pre-start and start-up:
- An intensive two-week programme for start-ups.
- An eight-week support programme for pre-start and start-up businesses.
- A support programme for BAME women - partnering with Shewise.
- A youth entrepreneurship programme – how to start your own business.
Support for small, medium and micro businesses:
Business Masterclass series – five specific topics to support businesses to grow and learn new skills.
- Digital skills programme, with marketing guidance on how to get your business online.
- “Living a life without limits” – mental health and business course.
- “Make peace with money” – decision-making in business course.
- Creative sector support programme – support for small businesses.
- Leadership and management series.
Support for high street businesses:
- Projects to engage town-centre businesses in new initiatives and promoting collaboration.
- Pop up space competition in town centre(s).
- Visitor economy support programme.
Support for businesses to grow and secure new business:
- Innovate and Grow grants for small and micro businesses to invest.
- Green Grants programme – supporting small businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Business mentoring for growth programme.
- Access to markets programme.
- Support for micro and small business to pivot and grow.
- Bidding for contracts programme.
Hounslow Council has partnered with Branduin, CPG Executive Consulting Ltd, Now Communications, West London Business, Save the High Street, Hounslow Chamber of Commerce, Rebel Business School and Smarter Society, to deliver this programme of support.
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said, “We are delighted to be able to deliver this fantastic, accessible package of programmes to support our businesses most in need.
“It offers a range of support to enable businesses to innovate and grow beyond the constraints of the pandemic. The Council is committed to supporting our businesses, helping to re-establish confidence within the local economy, while protecting jobs for local people.”
To sign up and find out more visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/businessrecoveryprogramme.
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January 21, 2022