What is the Kickstart Grant Scheme?
The scheme was announced to help both small and medium sized business recover from the negative financial impact of COVID-19. This can be achieved through the purchase of professional services, purchasing minor equipment or to adopt new technology to prepare and diversify in response to the pandemic. SEMLEP’s Growth Hub is responsible for allocating the grants in the SEMLEP area of Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.
Grants of up to £5,000 will be available, with most grants predicted to be in the region of £1,000 – £3,000. One aspect of the grant is specifically aimed at tourism and hospitality-related business’, which you will need to specify during the application process to determine which funding allocation your grant will come from. Whether your business is or is not related to the hospitality sector you will still complete the same application form.
How do I receive the grant?
If you are successful in being awarded a grant you will receive a grant offer. This then allows you to purchase the items or services approved in your grant application. Once you have purchased your intended product you can claim the amount for the grant payment to be issued to you.
Is my business eligible to receive the grant?
First and foremost, you must be based in the SEMLEP area and you must be able to implement the changes listed on your application proposal as soon as your grant has been approved, with all required permission in place (such as planning permission or dependent licences).
You must also employ less than 250 people and have a turnover of less than £45m.
Click here to view the Growth Hubs most frequently asked questions:
How do I apply for a grant?
On Monday 14th September at 9am the South East Midlands Kickstart Grant Scheme will be live and available for you to begin your application. To prepare and increase your chances of being successful for your application, please see below some example questions that may appear during the application process.
With Milton Keynes and surrounding regions being a comparable business hub to the capital, it is expected that there will be a high number of applications. With an estimated only 200 grants available in the SEMLEP region it is vital to be prepared.
Dates to remember
Monday 14th September (9am): Applications open
Monday 28th September: Successful applicants will be notified and grant offer letters will be issued
For any further questions or to confirm your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact us:
(E) enquiries@advaloremgroup.uk or (T) 01908 219100
