Intensive Start-up Support

Ashfield District Council is providing the Intensive Start-up Support Scheme for new businesses that have been operating for less than three years. It offers small grants to help them overcome barriers to starting up or undertaking new business activities. The primary objective of the scheme is to help diversify the economy of Ashfield and to create and safeguard jobs in the District. The Scheme is part-funded by the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund and administered by the Council.

The scheme will assist by providing a maximum of 50% of project costs in the form of grants of up to £3,000 and will support projects that would not otherwise happen. It will provide capital grants to assist businesses to modernise, expand or reorganise by removing barriers to starting-up or conducting new business activities.

The scheme is open to application by new businesses that have been operating for less than three years, located in, or relocating to, the District of Ashfield. All forms of small to medium-sized businesses (excluding retail premises) are eligible, including start-ups, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Applications are also welcome from registered social enterprises that are structured legally.