Friday 21 November 2008

North Wiltshire Business Start-Up Scheme

What is the purpose of the scheme?

North Wiltshire District Council recognises that throughout the district there has been a notable decline in the number of village shops and post offices, whilst our farmers and other rural businesses also face considerable challenges.

In addition to this, whilst many market towns in the district are bustling, there are still a number of vacant units available to let.

The Business Start Up Scheme intends to reverse these trends by supporting and encouraging new, small businesses to bring vacant retail units back into use in towns and villages.

The Business Start Up Scheme aims to reverse these trends by:

Supporting and encouraging new, small businesses to bring retail units back into use in the towns and villages
Assisting existing rural businesses to diversify
Employment of local people in rural areas

To meet these objectives, North Wiltshire District Council has adopted a two pronged approach of providing grant assistance, alongside a programme of business support, with the aim of ensuring that new businesses are given the best possible opportunity to establish themselves. The business support element is being supplied by Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire Ltd in the form of a Business Start Up Course.

Who is eligible for grant assistance?

Grants are available to those wishing to start new businesses, or diversify from their current activities, especially in rural or disadvantaged areas.

Grants are available only to businesses that will be occupying vacant premises and will employ at least one member of staff.

Grant assistance is not available to branches of regional or national companies.

Assistance will not be available to businesses operating from home.

What level of grant assistance is available to new businesses?

  • Assistance will be offered in the form of a one off grant to a maximum of £1,000.
  • All awards are subject to the discretion of NWDC. Each proposal will be assessed on its merits, with consideration given to the real and potential benfits to the local community and the economy.

What will the grant be available for?

A grant is available for a range purposes including the purchase of equipment and the fitting out of premises to support new businesses but excludes:
  • Purchase of stock
  • Overhead costs
  • Staffing

What does the ‘Business Start-up Programme’ involve?

This grant is conditional upon the client/s attending the Business Start-up Programme, unless they have previuosly run a business.

The programme aims to ensure that clients:
  • are fully aware of the implications of running a business
  • are aware of the support assistance available
  • complete a Business Plan which will withstand the scrutiny of independent financial advisers linked to the scheme
If you think the North Wiltshire Business Start Up Scheme could help you start your business, print out the Business Start Up Scheme Application Form below and send to Caroline Lightfoot, Senior Regeneration Officer at: Assets, Design & Regeneration, North Wiltshire District Council, Monkton Park, Chippenham.