GRANTS up to £50k are up for grabs for Slough businesses and organisations who are thinking of new ideas to stand out as the UK comes out of lockdown.

Companies have until May 21 to apply for either individual business grants, of up to £10,000, or up to £50,000 for organisations helping other businesses.

The funds are designed to help those who are planning to introduce new ideas, such as new products or services, or changes to improve their businesses, such as introducing new technology.

The business innovation grant fund is targeting existing Slough-based companies that don’t have a turnover exceeding £600,000 and with fewer than 250 staff.

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The one million pound scheme comes from government and is part of Slough Borough Council’s initiative to support businesses through the pandemic.

Councillor Balvinder S Bains, cabinet member for inclusive growth and skills, said: “Businesses have had a huge amount of uncertainty over these past months. They might now be considering changes to their business to capture a different market, or to slightly change their offering.

“Anything we can do to offer them some support is great news. I would really encourage any eligible businesses, or organisations which support other Slough businesses, to consider making an application. Make sure to create a good business case to really show off what you could do with the grant funding.”

Businesses must submit a 2,500-word application and must include a deliverable and well considered business plan.

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Before submitting an innovation grant application statement, companies need to read the statement guidance at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/7

Full details for individual businesses are at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/5 and for organisations which support businesses at www.slough.gov.uk/business-rates/coronavirus-and-business-rates/6

If additional support is needed to complete the application, email bratesinnovation@slough.gov.uk.

Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.