THE REAL DEAL

Derwentside Enterprise Agency CIC (DEA) launches small grants scheme, which will be known as The Real Deal, to support local businesses.

DEA is pleased to announce the launch of its new, discretionary, Small Grants Scheme, designed to support businesses in the former Derwentside Local Authority area to deliver projects that will make a positive difference to the business.

The scheme, known as The Real Deal, will provide grants of up to £500 to help fund capital and some essential revenue expenditure.

Eligibile applicant:

Existing businesses which are less than 12 months old.  Pre start businesses are not eligible to apply.

The business owner/partners/directors must all be over 18 years of age.

 Eligible area:  

The business must be located in the former Derwentside Local Authority geographic area.  

Eligible costs:

Capital costs.  Examples could include equipment, tools, computers etc but not motor vehicles.

Essential revenue expenditure.  Examples could include website development, printing, marketing/branding costs, initial insurance, training costs.

Expenditure eligible for grant assistance must be incurred within 3 months of grant offer.

Maximum grant:  50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum grant of £500.  The grant is paid out on proof of spend (invoice, bank statement etc). 

The grant is discretionary and the decision of DEA will be final. The scheme will last as long as the allocated funding is available and may be withdrawn at any time.

Applications are now open and eligible businesses are invited to apply.  In the first instance all that is required is an email to ron@cdcenterpriseagency.com outlining the project the business is planning and how the grant will be beneficial.

Ron Batty, Director of Derwentside Enterprise Agency CIC said:

"DEA is delighted to launch The Real Deal Small Business Grants Scheme. These grants will help local businesses bring ideas to life and make a difference."