Clock is ticking for Merseyside grant scheme

Date: 14 August 2008

TIME is running out for Merseyside businesses to tap into a grant scheme that is funding investment in new computer equipment, warns a Liverpool accountancy firm.

Grant funding specialists at Mitchell Charlesworth Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, are urging businesses to act now or miss out on a potential £500,000 cash pot.

The landmark project, run by Merit and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, is offering financial assistance to small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), which are looking to invest in ICT hardware and software.

An extra £500,000 worth of grants, from the European Regional Development Fund, has been allocated to the ICT Investment Fund, which will be awarded to Merseyside companies that successfully apply for grants.

Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available and the funding can be up to 40 per cent of the total project costs for new hardware and software - however, the project must be spent by November 30, 2008, but you cannot commit to your project before you have approval.

Greg Harris is a specialist in project and grant finance at Mitchell Charlesworth, which has an almost 100 per cent track record of successfully securing grant funding for its clients, ranging up to £1 million.

He said: “Merseyside SME’s must act now or miss out on this golden investment opportunity. Grant funding opportunities can be a major part of the jigsaw for any finance package and are worth considering, especially given the current market conditions which is forcing some banks to rein in their lending criteria.

“The grant process can be daunting to some businesses but with expert guidance a successful application can mean the difference between a major investment project moving forward or failing.”

The funding is open to SME’s in the Merseyside area, except those in the retail and agricultural sectors, regardless of whether or not they are Chamber or Merit members.

For further information on the scheme, or general grant funding and project finance advice, contact Greg Harris at: grants@mitchellcharlesworth.co.uk

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