New £2.5m business grant fund launched to boost Croydon’s economy

New business growth grants of between £15,000 and £100,000 are now available to Croydon firms with a good idea for creating new jobs.Government Opportunities

In total almost £2.5million is available from the Coast to Capital partnership, a coalition of businesses and local authorities that works to boost economic growth across a region extending from the Sussex coast to Croydon.

Grants will cover up to 40% of capital investment costs as along as a project can be shown to be opening up fresh employment opportunities.

New firms, existing businesses, or social enterprises are all eligible as long as they employ fewer than 250 people and the money is needed for something over and above what they already do. Any proposal will be considered, but the partnership particularly welcomes projects based around advanced engineering, manufacturing, environmental technologies, creative or digital businesses, or healthcare, medical and life sciences.

Although Croydon is home to almost 50 large firms employing over 250 staff this still means that about 99% of local companies could benefit from the funds if they have a good enough idea.

Businesses must be based within the Coast to Capital region to be eligible for funding. They must also be able to show how they can contribute at least 60% of the project costs.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs said:

“This is a really great piece of news and it will definitely boost the local economy because successful applicants will need to show how they will create at least one new job for each £10,000 of grant they receive. That means if all the funding is used the programme will provide work for at least 250 people and we’d like to maximise this potential for Croydon businesses. Because this is a capital grant, the money will have to be spent on buildings, plant, or equipment that will have a long lifespan and will provide the foundation for future business growth.

We’ve seen a steady growth in new businesses setting up in Croydon, and since 2013 we’ve already gone from 13,000 registered firms to almost 15,000. This fund will undoubtedly continue that trend.”

Share This Post

More To Explore

Blogs

Spotlight on…Fraser Haddow

This month’s spotlight turns to our IT operations and development department with Fraser Haddow.  In what capacity did you join BiP? What role did you

Blogs

Spotlight on…David Stewart

This month’s spotlight falls on our BI Sales Division and David Stewart. A relatively new member of the team he has been at the company

Do You Want To Boost Your Business?

drop us a line and keep in touch