Two new European funded projects launch on Monday 16 May: a Voucher Scheme, which offers grants to small and medium sized businesses, and Technical Assistance which promotes and offers guidance for applications into the main European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme. Events will be held on every island to give the opportunity for local businesses to find out more information and talk to the project leaders about their ideas for future growth.
The Voucher Scheme
The Voucher Scheme is a £1.36 million investment fund, financed by the ERDF. Financial support ranging from £1,000 to £100,000 is available to local businesses. Support will require a proportion of match funding and the creation of outputs in line with the strategic economic plan of the islands.
As this scheme is business focused this project will work closely with the Islands' Tourism & Business Partnership, Island Futures Board and the newly formed Growth Hub.
The Growth Hub
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, which went live on 9 May, acts as a signposting and brokerage service, helping people get the support they need to start or grow their business. From information on how to set up a new business through to help with exports and access to finance, the Growth Hub will bring it all into one, easily accessible place. Supported by a content rich website, a team of experts, based in Cornwall, will be working directly with businesses to help them identify and access support in a way that is right for them. There will be a dedicated Senior Business Connector to work with businesses on Scilly and they will be attending the Voucher Scheme launch events across the islands. Through our dedicated website businesses will not only get access to a wide range of support information but will also be able to promote their products and services through the Business Directory, check out upcoming events and share their news. Direct registration with the Growth Hub is also available at: www.ciosgrowthhub.com
Stu Anderson, Growth Hub Operations Director, said: “The Growth Hub is a huge opportunity for businesses to access the support they need - through a service run by people who understand the challenges of running a business in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We have a hugely skilled, dedicated and passionate team that will be listening and responding to what businesses tell us they need to enable them to grow.”
Technical Assistance
The Council of the Isles of Scilly has secured ERDF funding to support projects applying to the ESIF 2014-2020 ERDF main programme. The Technical Assistance team are available to offer guidance and support to applicants promoting the design and development of compliant projects during the outline application stage of the business process model. Continued advisory support is also available to projects that have passed the outline stage and are moving to the full application stage.
Amanda Martin, Chairman of Council and Island Futures Board Member, said: “Following the success of the Local Action Group grant scheme (2008-2014), these new funding initiatives are another positive step offering local business the financial input they need to facilitate growth and sustainability. Both the Authority and the Island Futures Board look forward to supporting these European projects.”
The programme of launch events is as follows:
| Monday 16 May | 7:30pm | Enterprise Centre, Porthmellon, St. Mary’s |
| Tuesday 17 May | 5.30pm | Community Centre, Bryher |
| Tuesday 17 May | 8pm | Island Hall, St. Agnes |
| Thursday 19 May | 5.30pm | Social Room, Community Centre, Tresco |
| Thursday 19 May | 8pm | Reading Room, Community Centre, St. Martin’s |
The launch will comprise of a short presentation followed by the opportunity to individually discuss any future growth ideas with the project leaders and partners: the Growth Hub and Islands’ Partnership.
David Jackson, Executive Director of the Islands' Partnership, said: "These two new funds together with the help that will be available via the Growth Hub provide a fantastic opportunity to support and stimulate business growth on Scilly. The Islands' Partnership is looking forward to playing an active role in the delivery of these initiatives."
Should any interested parties be unable to attend these events there will also be a Council Open Day held on St. Mary’s, Thursday 26 May, where representatives from both projects and access to the Growth Hub will be available for any queries businesses may have.
