Invest Telford launches first UKSPF business support scheme tender opportunity
Telford & Wrekin Council is launching a tender opportunity for the ‘Start Up Telford’ scheme- the first of a new business support programme which is being delivered by the council’s Invest Telford business service.
Funded through the council’s £5.8m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), these programmes will help 600 businesses over the next two years.
Other elements of the UKSPF programme will help local people secure local jobs and deliver community-led initiatives for young people which address social disadvantage.
This exciting tender opportunity seeks a partner to deliver the ‘Start Up Telford’ programme from July 2023 to March 2025.
The scheme will provide fully-funded start-up support – benefiting 150 individuals across the borough and giving them the chance to grow their business from scratch.
‘Start Up Telford’ will build on previous successful council business support schemes, which have provided individuals with a great business idea and the skills, confidence, knowledge and awareness to plan for and launch a business or social enterprise.
The successful partner will provide an end-to-end service, from dealing with enquires and initial signposting, to providing a high-quality tailored package of support all the way through to aftercare for individuals who participate.
The deadline for the Start Up Telford tender is Tuesday 16 May at 12 noon. You can find out more about the Start Up Telford tender opportunity and application process here.
Katherine Kynaston, Telford & Wrekin Council’s director for housing, employment & infrastructure, said: “We are excited to launch this tender opportunity which is the first stage of one of the innovative UKSPF-funded projects our Invest Telford team will be delivering to help businesses across the borough.
“The Start Up Telford scheme gives people the perfect opportunity to take their business idea forward and develop it with Invest Telford and our delivery partner.
“Invest Telford is our inward investment and business support service which aims to attract new businesses to the area and provide support to existing ones.
“We want to make it easier for businesses to access the information and additional help they need to invest and grow in our area.
“We are delighted to have secured the UKSPF funding which will contribute to the work we do to help our businesses grow and thrive.”
The next opportunity will be for voluntary and community based organisations to bid for skills support funding to help specific groups of people into work.
Other business schemes will be launched over the summer providing access to grants, 121 support and help with exporting and energy efficiency..
For regular updates, you can sign up to the Invest Telford newsletter here.
Find out more about the Start Up Telford tender opportunity here or more information about the UKSPF fund is available here.
Notes to Editors
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities, supporting local businesses and people and creating new skills..
For more information, visit the UKSPF prospectus here.
