Business groups in Somerset that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are being given the opportunity to apply for grant funding this month.

The grants are worth up to £5,000 and can be used by business groups (including Social Enterprises), networks and clusters to aid the recovery from Covid.

The scheme is particularly targeted at business groups, such as local Chambers, networks and clusters aiming to support those groups most affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic, for example young people or over-50’s.

Applications should focus on initiatives that support employment, enable shared learning, support growth and restarting, boost decarbonisation plans, or to develop collaborative projects and community-led initiatives.

The funding for these grants follows the successful award to Somerset of Community Renewal Funding from the UK Government.

Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, South Somerset District Council, and Somerset West and Taunton Council are working in partnership to support further economic recovery through this initiative.

There is only a short window to apply for these grants, with the call for applications opening on 11 February and closing on 25 February.

The Local Network and Cluster Support grant is one of five programmes being delivered through the Unlocking Somerset Prosperity initiative designed to support businesses and entrepreneurs across the county.

Information on how to apply will be added here: Community Renewal Fund 2021 – 2022 (somerset.gov.uk) under the section on ‘Local Network and Cluster Support’.