Hundreds of thousands of pounds in support is now available to help small and medium-sized businesses across Stafford Borough, and Stone entrepreneurs are being encouraged to make the most of it.
The latest round of business help from Stafford Borough Council includes grants, workshops, training and one-to-one expert advice. Several of the schemes have already proved popular with local firms and are now being extended following positive feedback from previous applicants.
What’s on offer
The support package, funded through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, includes:
- Grants for businesses looking to become more sustainable
- Help for start-ups and early-stage enterprises
- Expert mentoring via the ‘Ignite and Thrive’ programme
- Continued support through the ‘High Street Boost’ initiative
- Tailored schemes for rural enterprises, with nearly £150,000 ring-fenced
Stone town centre and business parks house a wide mix of independent businesses, many of whom could be eligible for this latest round of help.
Schemes like ‘High Street Boost’ are particularly relevant to independent retailers, hair and beauty salons, food outlets and service-based businesses looking to improve their offer and attract more customers. Similarly, rural or home-based businesses in the outskirts of Stone may benefit from the dedicated rural enterprise funding.
Positive results from past recipients
Stafford Borough Council says the programmes have already delivered real benefits to local traders. In a video available on YouTube, past recipients share how the support helped them grow their businesses, expand their services or improve their customer reach.
Councillor Ant Reid, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said:
“Our small and medium enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy and it is great to see the range of support we can provide to them so they can thrive, compete and grow – whether that be regionally, nationally or on a global scale.”
He encouraged local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to take a look at what’s available and apply early, saying:
“If you need further reassurance about why this could be right for you – have a listen to the testimonies from those who have benefitted previously from this support.”
Could your Stone business qualify?
Whether you’re running a café, a home-based creative business, or a growing venture on Whitebridge or Mount Road, the council wants to hear from you.
Full details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available now at: www.staffordbc.gov.uk/business-support
The council is encouraging early applications due to the expected high demand.
