Tourism and hospitality are integral to Swindon and Wiltshire. Cultural assets such as Lydiard and Stanton Park, the Museum of the Great Western Railway, and Salisbury Cathedral attract visitors from far and wide; while a plethora of locally-owned restaurants, bars, and shops make the region an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

Unfortunately, this also means that many of our local businesses have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Capacity limits and opening times have been restricted, and businesses have had to quickly introduce new systems such as new table service apps, and track and trace technology. In light of this, the Growth Hub is pleased to offer the opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to apply for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Recovery Grants.

The ERDF supports the competitiveness, sustainability, and quality of tourism and hospitality at regional and local levels and is offering grants, predominately between £1,000 and £3,000, to help businesses adapt to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The money is fully government-funded, with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.

Businesses can use the funding to pay for:

• Access to specialist professional advice e.g. human resources, accountants, legal, financial, or IT / digital

and/or 

• The purchase of minor equipment to adapt existing, or adopt new, technology to continue to business activity or diversify

Businesses must have been trading since March 2019 and applicants will be required to complete an online form supplemented by 3 quotations for desired products/services along with personal ID and evidence of business registration. Businesses will be encouraged to source products/services from within Wiltshire, as SWLEP Growth Hub seeks to further contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts of our local business community.  

Want to know more? Please contact Sarah Bowen:

Telephone: 01793 698005