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Funding to support enterprises in west Cumbria

Funding is available for charitable community organisations and social enterprises to provide business support and to encourage local people with enterprising ideas.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the UKSPF – E23 Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Fund will provide grants of up to £25,000 to support both the creation of new enterprises and the development of existing businesses.

Thanks to funding from both Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council, the aim of the fund is to spread a culture of enterprise, create local jobs and boost community cohesion by providing a range of support for new and existing businesses.

Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie, said: “I’ve always believed that entrepreneurs are key to growing our economy and finding new ways of doing business. Investment and support are key to their success, and I encourage all eligible organisations to look at the criteria and apply.”

The fund will offer revenue support to organisations that aim to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and can cover project running costs, staff salaries and small equipment costs.

The fund was set up thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which was launched in April 2022 and is part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. It aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Annalee Holiday, Senior Grants & Programmes Officer at the Foundation, said: “Local businesses play such an important role in the Cumbrian economy and wider communities and we’re very fortunate to have some strong, pro-active communities where there’s no shortage of amazing ideas. We hope the funding will inspire, encourage, and nurture, both new and existing entrepreneurs in West Cumbria. All they often require is a little expert know-how to help them get new services up and running.”

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 27th February 2023.

To find out more or to apply, click here or contact annalee@cumbriafoundation.org