Eighty new jobs are expected to be created across Shropshire and up to 100 safeguarded with cash from a council fund.

More than £223,000 has already gone to help new and existing small businesses over the past year.

Shropshire Council’s Business Enterprise Fund was set up last October to offer support during the economic downturn.

Over a two-year period it is expected that the fund will make a total of £320,000 available to help create up to 80 new businesses, improve the performance of up to 67 existing ones, and help 30 retailers.

Under the fund, three different grants are available.

Business Start-up offers match-funding of up to £1,500 to help people start their own enterprise while the business booster provides match-funding of up to £5,000 to support growing businesses that are under three years old.

The retail business grant addresses the issue of empty shops and is offered to new retail businesses opening in premises that have been empty for more than six months.

Up to £1,000 is available towards business rates paid in the first 12 months, with a further £1,000 to help with capital set up costs.

Two successful applicants have praised the fund.

The Buttercross tea room in Market Drayton applied for support to help carry out a major refurbishment.

Owner Stan Martin, said: “The business booster grant was so important as it enabled me to utilise local suppliers and ensure the work was carried out to a higher quality than it could have been without the additional money.

“With the new space we are now attracting different customers, such as young families and groups holding meetings, so it has really made a difference to the business.”

New entrepreneur, Anne Callow, benefited from the scheme when opening her wool and sewing shop, Anca, in Shrewsbury.

She said: “I applied for a retail business grant which has helped me with the costs of opening up in an empty shop unit. As a new business this support was invaluable as everything costs so much when you start out.”

Mike Owen, council cabinet member for economy, said: “We’re delighted with the interest shown in the Business Enterprise Fund and the subsequent success of applicants.”

By Dave Morris