Extra £9m on offer to help Sheffield City Region firms beat pandemic

Firms are being urged to apply for cash to grow, boost productivity and digital innovation, buy equipment to operate outdoors and to reopen.

James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It remains a hugely challenging time for South Yorkshire businesses and the grant funding plus the support that businesses can get through business support advisors based at each local authority, is very much needed.”

The Additional Restrictions Grant offers up to £100,000 for new plant or equipment. Applicants should have projects which can start immediately and be completed within six months. Large software projects will also be considered.

The Outdoor Hospitality Equipment Scheme up to £3,000 for items including outdoor seating, decking and umbrellas.

A new Digital Innovation Grant offers £10,000 grants and the Business Productivity Scheme has grants of up to £25,000 to hand out (includes 50 per cent match funding).

To be eligible to make an application, businesses must:

Be located in the Sheffield City Region and paying business rates to Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham or Barnsley

Be viable

Have been trading for at least 12 months

Operate from commercial premises

Be planning expenditure or have a project in the pipeline

Be in a position to make a legal commitment to the equipment once the grant is approved.

The City Region has also hired extra business support advisers to meet demand.

Businesses are advised to get in touch with the Gateway team in the Growth Hub.

Visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk.

Email: [email protected]

Sheffield tycoon launches drive to boost tech

Former Forgemasters apprentice appointed to the board

Liberty puts Stocksbridge steelworks up for sale

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Please take out a digital subscription or buy a paper.

Thank you. Nancy Fielder, editor.