Funding schemes available to eligible businesses based in Stafford Borough or those looking to relocate into the area are listed below.
Whatever your plans (eg adapting premises, purchasing capital equipment, up-skilling your staff, undertaking product innovation or introducing more efficient manufacturing techniques) the Business Engagement Team is here to help you every step of the way.
For further information simply complete our enquiry form providing us with information about your business expansion plans.
Alternatively feel free to contact us direct on 01785 61900 asking for Mary Timmis or email economy@staffordbc.gov.uk.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher
Small and medium sized businesses based in rural areas (as part of a joint project) can each apply for a voucher of £3,500, to claim against the installation cost of a gigabit capable connection for broadband.
Homes can also be included in a collective project with businesses, claiming vouchers of £1,500 each.
Michelin Development Fund
Unsecured loans and business expertise for businesses based in the north part of Stafford Borough who can demonstrate potential to create jobs.
Staffordshire Business Loan Fund
A loan scheme ranging between £10,000 and £50,000, for viable Staffordshire based businesses, who employ less than 50 people and who are experiencing difficulty accessing finance.
Loans are repayable over three years and must support the expansion or development of the business.
Staffordshire Start Up Scheme
A programme of free advice, mentoring and support to help people who want to set up their own business in Staffordshire.
These sessions can help with selecting and entering a market, how to spot a potential crisis and how to overcome it.
Staffordshire Get Started and Grow
A referral for free of charge professional services for financial, HR and legal consultancy for new businesses up to five years in business.
Staffordshire Start Up Loan
An unsecured, interest-free loan between £3,000 and £5,000, for eligible businesses who have completed the Staffordshire Start Up Scheme, which offers free mentoring and workshops for start-ups.
The loan has no setting up fee and is repayable in full after 12 months.
This scheme is currently on hold due to funds being temporarily committed.
British Business Bank Start Up Loan
A 6% fixed interest rate loan and advice and mentoring for businesses who have been trading for up to 36 months.
Loans should be repayable from between one and five years and are aimed at those who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining funding from more traditional sources.
Green Spaces Scheme
Green spaces can help improve mood, reduce stress and improve self-esteem.
Grants of up to £750 are available to Staffordshire based businesses to help them buy the tools and plants to make their own green space for their employees to enjoy.
For each business that partakes in this scheme £250 will also be donated to a habitat creation/restoration scheme within Staffordshire.
Smart Energy Monitoring Funding
For businesses wanting to reduce their energy costs.
Sub-meters will monitor and measure the energy consumption and performance of specific equipment within a building. This can be used on assets such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, chiller plant, cooling tower pumps, motors, and various manufacturing equipment’s.
Staffordshire County Council will provide 50% match funding to eligible organisations/businesses for the temporary installation of Smart Meters.
Made Smarter Programme
Where digital experts provide advice to manufacturing and engineering businesses on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies as well as working improve employees overall digital skills.
Up to 50% match funding (maximum £20,000) is available for equipment and/or specialist advice to implement projects.
Programme runs until 31 March 2023, subject to funds being available.
Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF)
MEIF has been designed to provide greater support to the region's smaller businesses, accelerate economic growth and promote job creation in line with the Government's Midlands Engine Strategy.
Through MEIF businesses can have access to:
- £30million of small (SME) business loans ranging from £25,000 to £150,000 available including for start-up firms
- £90million of debt finance available from £100,000 to £1.5million.
- Equity funding up to £2 million
- Proof of Concept early stage equity finance of up to £750,000
Business Bridge Programme - Closes June 2023
For SMEs looking to grow their business in the Healthcare and Medical Supply Chain. Through innovation vouchers worth between £2000-£3000, this programme offers specialist business support by providing access to advisors to explore new markets, collaborate with academic experts and benefit from unique access to specialist facilities
Contact Us
For further information on how we can help.
Mary Timmis
Growth and Investment Officer
01785 619000