Keighley businesses are already seeing the benefit of a grants scheme run by Bradford Council to accelerate local business growth and stimulate new jobs.
Ideabean Software Technology, which provides specialist IT support services, was one of the first businesses to be awarded a Keighley Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Grant.
The Keighley tech company, offering website development, digital marketing to bespoke and customised IT solutions, has been granted £4,952 towards new office equipment allowing it to expand its operations.
The business was facing hardship and difficult investment decisions.
Bradford Council is offering CLLD grants of between £1000 and £5000 to new business start-ups, the self-employed and existing micro and Small Medium Enterprise businesses that are not supported by existing local programmes.
In exceptional circumstances, a grant of up to £7,500 will be considered.
Applicants will need to demonstrate what is exceptional about their proposed project.
To be eligible the businesses must operate within a defined area in Keighley.
Applicants are required to provide 20% towards total grant project costs.
The deadline for applications is midnight, Sunday 13 November.
Sathish Babu, director of Ideabean Software Technology, said: “We are a quickly growing firm and needed office equipment to cater for our expanding operations.
“Ravinder Panesar, Digital Enterprise Adviser from Invest in Bradford made us aware of the funding and supported us throughout the application process.
“It was straightforward to apply and the decision came through quickly. It is an extremely helpful initiative that hugely benefits small businesses like ours.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s great to see that Keighley small businesses are already seeing the positive impact of the funding.
“The CLLD programme joins a raft of business support services and wider economic development programmes the council runs to boost jobs and investment across the Bradford district.”
