There's one last chance to apply for business-boosting funding in three Folkestone wards.
The Folkestone Community Works (FCW) programme management team is looking for final applications that will support further economic development in east, central and harbour wards.
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in these wards with less than 250 employees and a turnover of under £42m can apply for grants between £1,000 and £10,000. All grants have to be match funded by the businesses.
FCW was set up in February 2018 after Folkestone & Hythe District Council successfully secured £2.5m from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
So far, more than £220,000 of the £325,000 funding has been awarded to 40 projects. Businesses as diverse as a plumber (Oetzmann & Co Ltd) and an escape room (Leas Lift Lockout), a mobile food van (Little Greek Bus) and a racetrack (Cheriton Road Sports Ground Trust) are recipients. Charities Amor Europe, Custom Food Lab (pictured) and the Rainbow Centre have also benefitted.
Funding recommendations are made by the Local Action Group (LAG), which comprises businesses and community leaders. Successful projects must be completed by 31 March 2023.
LAG chair Penny Shepherd said: "This is a great opportunity for small businesses in the catchment area to receive half the cost of investing to expand their services or become more efficient. In today's challenging times, this is something that all eligible businesses should consider."
Cllr David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: "With 40 businesses so far receiving FCW funding, the local economy has seen a boost. While some of the recipients have been able to expand and take on more staff, others have consolidated their work or branched out into exciting new projects."
Leader Cllr David Monk added: "We urge any eligible businesses to make contact in the next few weeks so that they can take advantage of the funding. Their new year could get off to a very good start!"
The deadline for applications is Friday 30 December 2022.
Find out about the FCW project here: folkestone.works/folkestone-community-works/
Anyone with a project to discuss, can email: folkestonecommunityworks@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
The Folkestone Community Works Programme is part-funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-20 and is managed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
European Structural and Investment Funds
The project is receiving up to £2.5 million of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) are the Managing Authorities for European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund funding through the Growth Programme, funds established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. By investing in projects the funds will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
Date published: 16 November 2022