Hebden Bridge News

Financial Boost For Calderdale's Local Businesses

The allocation of £300,000 of grant funding to support local business and to help the growth of the local economy has been approved by CMBC councillors. Members of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet met yesterday and approved recommendations from the Economic Taskforce to allocate the money from the ‘Economic Fighting Fund’.

Cabinet also agreed to £50,000 funding to boost support for inward investment and £50,000 towards the promotion and sponsorship of business events in Calderdale.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member, Regeneration and Development, Cllr Amanda Byrne, said this latest initiative by the Economic Taskforce should help local businesses during these tough times.

“I am delighted that Cabinet has given their full backing to these proposals which will help to support local enterprise, attract inward investment as well as promote Calderdale as a place to do business.

Scrutiny Chair for Regeneration and Development, Councillor Barry Collins said the proposals should provide a timely response to the current economic conditions.

“By supporting new and established business as well as encouraging inward investment and the promotion of Calderdale we want to help the local economy weather the current economic conditions and ensure we are in good shape for the future.”

Small grants will be on offer to assist businesses to improve, adapt and extend their premises and help improve efficiency and productivity. The grants would be for a maximum of 25% of the total cost and would target:

• bringing under used, vacant or inefficient business space up to standard
• encouraging new business development and new business start ups
• improving the infrastructure and appearance of premises
• job creation and safeguarding jobs linked to the above.