Representatives from businesses across the region celebrated the success of a funding scheme which has boosted local firms to the tune of over £1million since 2013.
A recognition event to mark the conclusion of the Grants4Growth programme took place at Springfields Events and Conference Centre in Spalding on September 8.
Attendees included Anna Graves, chief executive of South Holland District Council, and Coun Nick Worth, portfolio holder for business growth.
The EU-funded scheme, which was managed by South Holland District Council’s economic development team, has funded 107 businesses across Lincolnshire to help them grow and improve efficiency.
Coun Worth said: “Grants4Growth has been a resounding success and helped many different companies to expand and become more efficient.
“It was very pleasing to be able to welcome some of the companies involved to Springfields to share their success stories and achievements.
“The event was also an excellent networking opportunity for these firms and we had plenty of positive feedback.”
During the past two years Grants4Growth helped to create 85 new jobs whilst safeguarding 443 positions.
It has also produced an estimated aggregate increase in turnover of £5.6million among the firms who have benefited.
The largest grant handed out was for £40,000, the smallest was £1,000 and the average amount was £7,926.
The event saw several representatives praise the straight-forward and fast manner of the grant application process.
The council’s economic development team also revealed plans to secure future funding to launch a successor to the scheme.
Any decision on funding is likely to be made towards the end of 2015.
For more information about the scheme visit www.grants4growth.org.uk.
