Up to £220,000 will be made available in grants for entrepreneurs and businesses as part of Oldham Council’s drive to boost the borough’s economy and create more jobs for local people.
The new money, funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which was approved by the council’s cabinet, will fund two new schemes aimed at start-ups and growing current Oldham businesses.
Councillor Fida Hussain, cabinet member for Business, Employment and Enterprise, said: “We’re determined to boost business and jobs in Oldham which is why we’re supporting new start-ups or ambitious businesses which need help to grow.
“So, if you are an Oldham entrepreneur or looking to start up in the borough and need a helping hand to help us make a more prosperous Oldham, we want to hear from you.”
The Start-up Grant scheme will be run by Oldham Enterprise Trust. Grants of up to £1,000 are available.
It aims to create 40 new enterprises. Applications can be made online via OET’s existing portal https://www.oldhamenterprisetrust.org.uk/fund. Applicants will be supported to develop a Business Plan and Cash Flow.
The second scheme will be a Business Growth Grant and run by the council. It aims to support the growth of businesses in the borough. Only applications from businesses where growth results in new jobs being created before 31 March 2025 will be considered. Priority will be given to businesses in key sectors including manufacturing, construction, digital and creative and low carbon/green technology.
Applicants can apply for the grants from 2 April.