Growth project offers funding for businesses

BUSINESSES are being urged to apply for a specialist funding stream which aims to help them export or expand their overseas markets.

The West Midlands SME International Growth Project (SME IGP), funded via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has provided more than 220 matchfunded grants worth more than £500,000 since January 2017.

Now small and medium sized businesses have just eight months left to apply, with the deadline on March 31.

Sports management operation Beswicks

Sports took advantage of the scheme, receiving £3,000 towards the cost of attending the USL Conference, a major sports event in Tampa Bay, USA.

It has since started working with 10 new North American teams, leading to tens of thousands of pounds of new business.

Director Gary Mellor said: “Attending a forum such as the USL Conference is a huge commitment for a relatively small team of 10, even though the potential benefits are significant. Nevertheless, gaining financial help was invaluable and enabled two members of the team to travel to the USA for six days.

“We’ve received both financial and local embassy support, which have been extremely helpful.”

Allen Matty, managing director of the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’ve seen some extremely positive results and business wins from local companies”

For details email erdf@ wmchambe rs.co.uk or call 0121 607 1770.