Independent Harwich and Dovercourt businesses invited to bid for improvement grants
Independent businesses in Harwich and Dovercourt Bay are being invited to bid for match-funding from a new grant scheme.
The Harwich and Dovercourt Business Grant Scheme from Tendring District Council (TDC) offers match-funding of between £100 and £2,000 to firms within the town centre areas.
Aimed primarily at retailers and restaurants, the scheme’s objective is to improve the appearance of the high street areas – particularly focused on 2020 as the towns mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of The Mayflower.
Offering a total of £20,000 in funding, the scheme opens in March and will run until the end of 2020 – but businesses are being urged to invest early ahead of the tourist season, with many trips already booked to the area for Mayflower 400 tours.
Mary Newton, TDC Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, said the scheme formed one of the Dovercourt Twenty projects within the town Masterplan, adopted last July.
“This grant scheme will hopefully not only boost and encourage private sector investment within Dovercourt Bay and Historic Harwich, but also help to further enhance and improve some of our business premises,” Cllr Newton said.
“It very much fits into our Tendring4Growth ethos of supporting business in the district, and sits as part of the Dovercourt Rediscovered masterplan as one of the ‘Dovercourt Twenty’ projects.
“I really encourage traders in the area to take advantage of these grants, and together we can further improve the towns in time for the boost we hope to get from the Mayflower 400 commemoration.
“So whether it’s to replace windows and doors, improve shop front signage or even interior and exterior displays, if your business in this area needs some TLC why not apply?”
The scheme is only open to independent traders (not national chains, banks or charities) and match-funding is on a 50:50 basis. Businesses must cover the cost of works up front, and the grant will be paid retrospectively upon successful completion of the work.
It is open to businesses within old Harwich and in Dovercourt town centre around the High Street and Kingsway area.
TDC staff will be contacting and visiting potentially eligible businesses directly, but to find out more – including the areas covered by the scheme – or to download an application form visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/tendring4growth
NEWSDESKS
For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.