More than 30 businesses apply for council funding

The fund was set up to help businesses emerge from the pandemic.

Launched last week, the grant forms a key element of the council’s support for businesses that are looking to strengthen and renew as they emerge from the restrictions and challenges placed upon them by the pandemic.

So far 30 businesses have applied for funding to support their innovation and diversification plans.

It is open for applications until 9am on Monday, December 6 and bids are invited from businesses large and small, from towns and villages, from coast to glen across Angus. Submissions will be assessed after the closing date.

One-off grant payments of £2000, £5000, £8000 or £15,000 are available.

Also on offer are 12 one-off grants of £25,000 available through a Dragon’s Den-style pitching event before a panel of Angus business leaders.

The local authority set up the fund after securing agreement from the Scottish Government to use its unallocated discretionary funding in support Angus businesses.

A council spokesperson said: “Bids have been received for this award and more are welcome, with the Angus Dragons ultimately deciding who will receive the cash.

“To qualify for this bigger funding amount, submissions will have to demonstrate they are particularly innovative and that they have an excellent chance of achieving significant economic impact.

"These businesses will also have the opportunity and benefit of one-to-one business mentoring.”

The BIG fund can provide assistance for specific plans to innovate or diversify. This could be by introducing new products or services, improving current systems or for ambitions to target new customers.

Examples of innovation and diversifying business could include, but not be restricted to, introducing an online selling function; buying new equipment in support of new product manufacture; working with other companies or independently to bid for tenders/contracts; marketing and promotion of new services or products or targeting new customers.

Further information can be found on Angus Council’s website.