Simplified approach to accessing funding, and new funds launched for Black Country businesses

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Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership launch new funds and a simplified approach to accessing funding.
Advice and guidance will be provided for grant and loan funds from thousands to millions of pounds.
Meet the Funder event takes place on Wednesday 29 January.

The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) is launching new funds and a simplified approach to accessing funding for Black Country businesses of all sizes and sectors. This new approach sees the launch of a single expression of interest, a simplified application process for businesses with all the documentation and information on funds available online at http://www.blackcountrylep.co.uk/business/access-to-finance.

To put the new approach into action, in conjunction with its partners, BCLEP is hosting a ‘Meet the Funder’ event at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Wednesday 29^th January. Businesses of all sizes and sectors will learn about Black Country wide funding streams and meet a range of financial providers and advisors. Advice and guidance will be provided for grant and loan funds totalling over £40M.

Since 2011, BCLEP has supported Black Country businesses in accessing over £25m of funding for projects ranging in value from £20k to £1million. Meet the Funder will officially launch a number of funds and schemes, including a new round of Growing Priority Sectors Grant Funding Programme. Building on the success of the first event in July 2013, which saw over 170 businesses attend, BCLEP hope to support more businesses and significantly increase the value of funding allocated in the area.

The BCLEP has designed the event to provide businesses with the knowledge to choose the most appropriate source for funding for projects, from thousands to millions of pounds. Attendees will hear impartial advice to ensure businesses decide on the funding streams most suited to their business needs. There will be opportunities on the day for companies to have one to one support completing their expression of interests.

Paul Brown, Chair of the BCLEP Access to Finance Group said “Following the success of the first Meet the Funder Event and consultations with businesses and our partners, it has become apparent that access to finance can act as a barrier, preventing business growth. The BCLEP is dedicated to removing barriers to business growth and in response we are hosting a much needed ‘Meet the Funder’ event.

“Whether it’s understanding eligibility criteria or knowing how to complete an expression of interest form, this event aims to answer any questions businesses have within the remit of access to finance.

“The event is designed to provide businesses with the adequate knowledge of funding streams ranging from thousands to millions of pounds, so that they can choose the most appropriate source of funding for their project. Guests will also have the opportunity for one-to-one meetings to discuss funding options further with a range of experts. We want guests to leave with the knowledge and confidence they need to drive their business forward.”

The event will include:

An overview of the government backed funding streams launched or due to be launched.
Case studies from local companies who have completed the journey and received funding.
An opportunity for one-to-one meetings to discuss your funding options further.
A chance to discuss on a one to one basis the completion of your Expression of Interest form – the starting point for any funding application.
An opportunity to speak with a range of banks and non-bank lenders.

The event, to be held as a morning and afternoon session, will be held on 29^th January at Wolverhampton Racecourse. The morning session will commence at 8am and the same event will be repeated again in the afternoon at 1pm.

For further information or to reserve a place at the event, please contact Events on 0845 872 4256 or E-mail Events@blackcountrychamber.co.uk.

Follow Black Country LEP on twitter: @blackcountrylep

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