‘Kickstart Fund’ scheme introduced to help entrepreneurs

A funding scheme has been launched to support entrepreneurs in the Isle of Axholme.

UK Steel Enterprise has partnered up with North Lincolnshire Council and the Growth Hub to launch the Kickstart Fund, which will provide grants of between £500 and £1,000 to help aspiring entrepreneurs to establish a business or become self-employed.

Opportunities

According to a spokesperson for UK Steel Enterprise, £40,000 is being put aside for the grants. The company is also providing support for entrepreneurs in the region, and will be investing up to £1 million to help companies expand and to create more job opportunities.

Budding entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to receive advice and mentoring from the Growth Hub.

UK Steel Enterprise Regional Manager Keith Williams said that small businesses are “the life blood of the economy”, but starting up a business can be a “big challenge.”

He added that the funding scheme, along with the support and advice provided, will help budding entrepreneurs who need a boost to “get the ball rolling.”

Helping hand

Axholme Central Councillor Baroness Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council and chair of the Steel Task Force, said that the UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart grants will help people to meet the costs of becoming self-employed and starting up a small business.

“Starting out a new business can be very difficult, so we want to offer a helping hand,” she said.

The Kickstart Fund is available to anyone in North Lincolnshire who is looking to start up their own business.