Council cash to boost jobs

Monday 26th October 2009, 11:18AM GMT.

money Up to 80 jobs could be created and about 100 more safeguarded thanks to a new cash boost backed by Shropshire Council bosses.

The new Shropshire Business Enterprise Fund will see about £320,000 pumped into the county’s economy to help create new businesses, support existing firms and prop up retailers struggling during the recession.

The cash will be split into three pots over the next two years, offering a business start-up grant, a booster grant and a retail business grant. And for retailers, up to £1,000 will be available towards business rates for the first six months premises have been occupied.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for community working, said: “Many local people attending local joint committee meetings have asked if there was more that the council could do to help and support local businesses.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to respond to these requests, and show people that we do listen to their views and that they can have a real impact on shaping council policy.”

Business start-up grants will provide match funding of between £500 and £1,500 to unemployed people starting a company, business booster grants will provide match funding of between £1,000 and £5,000 to companies less than three years old while retail business grants will address the issue of empty shops.

View more: Shropshire Council news.