The sheer determination of North East businesses to adapt during the COVID-19 crisis has been incredible to see and support.
We've has paid out £118,000 in ERDF grants to 60 North East SMEs during March from the North East Business Support Fund & the Tees:Business Leadership & Management Fund to support businesses to adapt or improve their services through these challenging times – providing much needed funding for projects that would have ground to a halt.
Over these past two weeks, we have witnessed the public and private sector work in unison to support a nation in need. We’ve been proud to stand alongside regional hubs like the North East Growth Hub and assist our local authorities to signpost their support for businesses.
The NBSL team remain fully operational and we continue to seek out more businesses that require support from across the region during these next few months. Our 15 minute online application remains open, grant claims are being processed swiftly and our team of advisers can now handle our whole contracting process virtually – minimising the impact of COVID-19.
As an organisation that has been committed to supporting North East businesses for over 18 years, we have a fully functional, fuss-free online application service – with a dedicated team to support every contract. Between 35% and 40% of funding is available towards projects costing between £2,500 and £8,000 (ERDF criteria applies) with the Fund ending in December 2020.
The Fund can be used for most forms of external expertise including:
- Website improvements & Content Management Systems
- Development of online dialogue – online Sales services
- Marketing Strategy & branding
- Customer Service & Sales Strategy development
- New product diversification advice
- HR and Employment Advice
- Continuity and regulatory advice
Are you working with a service provider to help your business – take a look at our grant support, we could make the difference with up to 40% grant funding www.nbsl.org.uk/nebsf
