Boost for business plans in Barrow

A massive funding boost is available for helping to bring about a more prosperous New Year for people in the Barrow area with business plans. The Barrow Economic Initiatives Fund, set up by the Barrow Local Committee of Cumbria County Council, now has £75,000 to help local projects, especially those which will create new jobs. The fund will be used to support business start-ups, research and study, training and the development of existing services and facilities. 

County Councillor Alan Nicholson, chair of the Barrow Local Committee, says, 

"We are pleased to be in a position to offer considerably more help to small to medium size enterprises to expand their businesses, expand the services they provide locally, and provide more employment. The fund is very accessible and it is simple to apply for the grants." 

The Barrow Local Committee put £25,000 into the Economic Initiatives Fund in 2002, but has now been successful in winning £50,000 matching money from the Furness Strategic Partnership's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The extra cash increases the total amount in the economic initiatives fund to £75,000, a level much higher than in previous years 

The economic initiatives fund was established three years ago to assist community businesses, improve access for unemployed residents to the job market, and aid the small business community. The maximum grant that can be applied for is 50 per cent of the total cost of the initiative, up to a maximum of £2,500. The fund is limited and potential applicants are being advised to return their completed application forms promptly. 

The Barrow Local Committee will make decisions on applications. Anyone wanting an application form should contact Nik Hardy, Community Development Officer with Cumbria County Council, on 01228 607345.