Grants set to help even more businesses across Three Rivers as eligibility is widened

Grants of up to £5,000 are now available to even smaller businesses as part of a major programme from Three Rivers District to boost the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Three Rivers District Council is widening the eligibility for its Three Rivers Business Growth Grants which are designed to support local businesses, drive innovation, growth, efficiency and productivity for companies hit by Covid restrictions.

Grants are now available for businesses which employ between two and 19 people, have the capability to grow and have been affected by Covid restrictions over the past 14 months. They were previously restricted to businesses which employed more than five people.

Three Rivers Business Growth Grants are worth between £2,000 and £5,000 to be spent on business consultation services as well as business tools and equipment. The investment is part of the council’s recovery plans and is aimed at supporting and creating jobs and growth.

The council has partnered with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to deliver the programme of support which launched in August.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: "It is great that even more local businesses are now able to benefit from our growth grants. As a council we are absolutely committed to working with local businesses to help secure a long lasting recovery for our economy.

"These grants are designed to help local businesses prosper and I invite anyone who thinks their business might be eligible to get in touch today to see what support the scheme can offer.”

Hertfordshire Growth Hub (HGH) will decide which businesses to support, as well as how much funding to award. Business advisers will support businesses to develop their grant applications. Submitted applications will be independently assessed by the HGH grants panel which will decide the outcome of each application and the amount to award.

Liza Armstrong, Head of Service for Hertfordshire Growth Hub, said: "We are pleased to be working with Three Rivers District Council to support local businesses who want to continue adapting and growing following the Pandemic. We are providing targeted support to help businesses access grant funding and seek specialist external advice during this crucial time of economic recovery. This is an opportunity for businesses to meet with our experienced business advisers who will provide 1-2-1 support, discuss their challenges, and agree key actions to enable business growth."