Kickstart Grants ballot opens

The Kickstart Grants ballot has now opened.

From Wednesday, businesses in the South East Midlands directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can submit an expression of interest to receive grant funding through SEMLEP's Growth Hub Kickstart Grant Scheme at www.semlepgrowthhub.com/covid-19-business-grants/

The scheme, initially launched in July, was set up to help local businesses to access external expertise, consultancy support or equipment that will help the business to respond to the impact of COVID-19.

Following the first round of applications, a small number of grants are still available. To fairly and effectively manage the anticipated high level of interest in applying for these grants, this final round will follow a ballot format. This will enable all businesses to have an equal opportunity to receive funding, with successful candidates chosen at random. *Please note, being drawn from the ballot does not guarantee your application will be successful.

You should check your business is eligible and the ways in which the grants can be used in the Grants Guidance Notes before expressing interest.

Business interested in applying for the grant funding are invited to submit a short expression of interest from Wednesday 18th November until 2pm on Wednesday 25th November. Once submitted, the expression of interest will be added to the ballot. Upon closure, ballots will be drawn at regular intervals until all funds are allocated.

Businesses selected from the ballot will have the opportunity to submit a full grant application, which will be appraised by the SEMLEP's Growth Hub grant panel.