New grants to help small businesses adapt and grow

Small businesses and their supply chains can get help to adapt to the new economic and regulatory landscape thanks to a £1.5m fund from the West of England Combined Authority.

The Business Growth and Adaptions Grant, which opens for a second round of applications from 19 October, will help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) buy new products to help increase production and enable growth with funding of up to £30,000.

Patricia Greer, Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This money from the West of England Combined Authority will support employers to better equip themselves for future growth in the changing business landscape.

“The Business Growth and Adaptions Grant is already helping small and medium-sized businesses purchase and implement new products and equipment, so they can increase production and drive business growth and expansion – which may lead to more jobs for people in the West of England.”

The Combined Authority has supported Bristol-based recruitment and executive Search firm Xist4, which helps organisations to build an inclusive workforce.

Gozie Ezulike, Director of Xist4, said: “I am incredibly grateful for the grant Xist4 received. It has helped raise Xist4’s profile in the eyes of our essential target audience and given Xist4 a fresh lease of life post-pandemic.”

There are two funding streams available: £6,000 to £10,000 and £10,001 to £30,000.

Businesses will need to be able to provide at least 20% match funding and the project they are requesting funding for should support their operations or processes to maintain or increase their turnover.

The grants are part of the £10m Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund agreed by the West of England Combined Authority Committee in April.

The application window closes on Wednesday 9 November at 12 noon.

For full details, including eligibility criteria, please visit the Business Growth and Adaptions webpage.

Support and guidance is available to help applicants develop their application writing skills. Please contact Enterprisegrants@westofengland-ca.gov.uk to find out what’s available.