Small grant can make a BIG difference

Local business

Tuesday 10 November

Small businesses in East Devon and the Blackdown Hills are being offered grants by the Making it Local Scheme.

Amounts of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available for projects focusing on small business creation and growth, strengthening local communities and connecting people and the landscape.

The first deadline for applications is 18 January 2010, but applicants can submit initial project ideas now.

Councillor Malcolm Florey, EDDC’s Business Champion, welcomed news of the fund and encouraged local businesses to apply.

He said: “Experience shows that small amounts of money can make big differences to local businesses and communities. I hope there will be a good take-up rate from our district as grant aid for small local businesses is about as rare as hens’ teeth”.

The Small Grants Fund will support projects that focus on either:

  • Small business creation and growth
  • Strengthening local communities
  • Connecting people and the landscape

Funded Projects

Six projects have so far been offered funding:

  1. Digital Mentors - providing ICT support to local businesses, organisations and individuals through a network of ICT experts.
  2. Pilot Forestry Apprenticeships Programme – creating five two-year forestry apprenticeships in the local area.
  3. East Budleigh Community Shop - improving local produce display facilities and promotion.
  4. Building Sustainable Business Networks - improving local business skills through business networks, classes and individual training sessions.
  5. Working Our Woodlands - improving the woodland economic resource in the project area by developing woodland networks, quality standards and improving the supply of local wood to local markets.
  6. The Otter Brewery Interpretation Centre - building a new interpretation centre in order to engage with a wider range of businesses and communities.

For further information please visit: www.makingitlocal.org

For further press information please contact:

Nick Stephen, Communications Officer, on 01395 517 559

East Devon District Council, Knowle, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8HL