Support offer for firms in pandemic battle
A support project set up to help SME manufacturers grow, has adapted its grants to assist businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
The Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Project – which offers a range of support to SME manufacturing businesses in the North East LEP area – is making additional funding available to help companies that have adapted during the coronavirus crisis.
Two new funds have been set up to replace the project’s original grant fund, and will be used to support companies during the global pandemic. The first will help North East businesses that are making protection equipment for the NHS or other frontline healthcare teams, with match funding grants of up to £10,000.
The second is to help companies that have diversified or adapted in order to stay in business and operational during and after COVID-19.
Match funding grants of up to £10,000 are also available.
Ken Teears, project manager at SAM, said: “These are challenging times, and many small manufacturing businesses will be feeling the strain.
“We have a limited pot of cash, but we are keen to see it help as many manufacturers as possible, as they operate through this pandemic.
“The new funds will support those that have had to invest in order to either support the national effort to battle this virus and those who have diversified in order to stay in business.”
Mr Teears added: “The project has taken the decision to limit maximum grants to £10,000 grant value, to allow us to support as many companies as possible.”
For details, go to www. samprojectuos.co.uk