ENTERPRISE North East Trust (Enterprise) has teamed up with Aberdeen City Council to launch a fund to offer financial support to North-east entrepreneurs starting up in business.
The Enterprise Fund, introduced in July 2013 is aimed at businesses in the early stages of launching and will contribute towards the cost of essential business tools, such as equipment, marketing and market research.
Entrepreneurs who meet the required criteria will receive funding of up to £250 towards the start up of their new business.
Andrew Burnett, operations director at Enterprise, said: “Enterprise and Business Gateway meet so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs with plans for starting businesses.
“The Enterprise Fund is a fantastic boost over and above the free training and advice we can provide.
“The first few recipients have used the funding for worthwhile purposes such as essential equipment or tools for marketing and growing their business.
“We look forward to seeing many more worthwhile applications coming forward and to helping these fledging businesses with guidance, workshops and funding.”
Funding has already been awarded to four North-east businesses in July and further applications have been made to The Enterprise Fund.
The PhysioWorx, based in Aberdeen City Centre, was the first business to succeed in receiving an award from The Enterprise Fund.
Heather Robertson, of The PhysioWorx, said: “We heard about The Enterprise Fund during a business start-up workshop run by Enterprise and Business Gateway.
“This funding has helped us purchase an ultrasound machine, which has broadened the treatment options available to our patients.
“The funding has been very useful and the service and communication of the staff has been very prompt allowing fast progress to be made in the business start up phase.”
Andy Willox OBE, chair of the South Aberdeenshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has welcomed the new funding: “Small businesses are the backbone our local communities and the driver of economic growth both regionally and nationally. Many new businesses have ambitions to grow, but cite access to finance as a major barrier to this.
“We welcome the creation of The Enterprise Fund which will provide much needed support to new businesses across Aberdeen City and Shire and give budding entrepreneurs the chance to become tomorrow’s success stories, realise their personal and business potential, and play an integral part in shaping the future growth of the local economy.”
The Enterprise Fund is open to applications from start up businesses which are head-quartered in Aberdeen City and Shire regions.
To download an application and find out more information about the fund, please visit the Enterprise website at www.enetrust.com/enterprisefund.
Issued by Frasermedia Ltd on behalf of Enterprise North East Trust (Enterprise)
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