Boost for job-creating business grant

* Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones of the Dangerous Food Company.

A business grant which has already helped scores of businesses to create jobs has been increased.

Denbighshire County Council’s Business Development Grant scheme has awarded more than £71,000 to 17 Denbighshire firms since April.

The cap of the grant has been raised from £5,000 to £10,000 and the limit on applicants’ annual turnover has increased from £250,000 to £500,000.

The scheme, which forms part of the council’s Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, offers funding to new and existing businesses to create employment, improve business competitiveness and create a vibrant local economy.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire, said: “Raising the cap for our business grant scheme will allow us to help even more firms in Denbighshire.

“The scheme is a funder of last resort, so by the time an applicant approaches us they have already tried to secure other sources.

“The scheme has already had a real impact, directly helping to create 19 jobs and safeguarding another 17.

“Doubling the maximum grant and the turnover limit will enable us to directly release additional business investment and expansion within the county. 

“This will lead directly to the creation of additional employment opportunity for local residents that otherwise would not be realised.

“I would encourage eligible businesses in the county to apply for a grant before the end of the financial year.”

Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones, who launched St-Asaph-based Dangerous Food Company less than three years ago, used a £2,300 grant from Denbighshire County Council to purchase a walk-in fridge which enabled them to quadruple their order capacity and expand.

The grant has also been expanded to include businesses looking to exploit digital technology to help stimulate local innovation, improve competitiveness and help reach new markets.

* For more information or to apply for a Business Development Grant of up to £10,000 from Denbighshire County Council visit Denbighshire.gov.uk/business or contact 01824 706896.