Ipswich Borough Council is celebrating the success of over £170,000 in grant funding given to local businesses to help them grow following the pandemic.
Launched in October 2021, eligible businesses could apply for up to £10,000 from the Council’s Business Growth and Innovation Grant Scheme to fund a new project which would help them to grow and keep their business competitive.
During the scheme, 21 businesses were awarded the grant funding which totalled £173,400, with businesses asked to match fund this grant. This funding came from the Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) which was provided to local authorities by Central Government to support businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Businesses eligible for the funding had to demonstrate at least two of the following objectives:
One business which benefitted from the funding was Ipswich Makerspace (3a Design) which enables like-minded people to get together to learn, build and experiment with a variety of technology in their workshop on Dove Street.
The business received £10,000 to complete internal construction works to improve the layout of their workshop, updating rooms and improving their energy efficiency by installing LED lighting.
A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council says: “It’s fantastic to see businesses like Makerspace have been able to expand following the pandemic, thanks to the Business Growth and Innovation Grant Scheme.
Small businesses are key contributors to the economic recovery of Ipswich, so anything we can do to support them to continue to innovate and grow is an incredibly positive thing.”
David Atkins, Chief Executive Officer at Ipswich Makerspace (3a Design) says: “The Business Growth and Innovation Grant Scheme has allowed us to greatly improve the experience of the Ipswich Makerspace and at the same time reduce our energy cost, which in the current climate is essential.
Our new kitchen area makes it a more welcoming space and the CNC room make it easier to accommodate people working on different projects.”
