A CLINIC helping new Worcestershire businesses starting out get the funding they need has been launched.

The clinic is taking place on Friday, June 23, from 9am until 5pm, and is for new firms and those looking to grow, being guided through the process of applying for a Enterprising Worcestershire Start-up and Early Stage Business Grant.

The start-up and business grant is in place to provide support to small and medium sized enterprises, as they start up and look to grow their business and realise their potential, and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses that are eligible for the grant will have access to funding between £1,000 and £5,000, awarded on a match funded basis, to use towards the capital and revenue expenditure required to grow their business.

This means that if a business is looking to spend £2,000 on things like equipment, machinery, fixtures and fittings, website construction, consultancy, logo design or software – they can apply for a grant of £2,000, which would mean they have £4,000 to spend on these things.

Jane Dobson, economic development officer at Wychavon District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for young businesses out there to find out how they can apply for the kind of funding that could take them to the next stage in their development, and hopefully towards continuing success.

"This has to be good for them and it’s good for the region too to have businesses that are looking to grow and create jobs in the area.”

The grant is open to SME businesses and start-up enterprises in the county, that have been trading for less than 36 months prior to the date the application is received.

The enterprise must be trading or if a start up intending to trade, and the trade must be 70 per cent business-to-business. The enterprise must create 36 hours or more employment per week for the applicant.

All grants are made at the discretion of Worcestershire County Council subject to availability of funding. Grants will be limited to one per business and applications will be considered on a competitive basis.

To book a slot at the clinic, call 01905 677888 or email info@business-central.co.uk.

For more on the grants visit business-central.co.uk/enterprising-worcestershire,