Published at 11:54, Wednesday, 20 June 2012

SMALL businesses in Cumbria could get access to a £5m pot to help them expand and create jobs.

The county’s local enterprise partnership is bidding for the cash from the Government’s £2.4bn regional growth fund, which aims to promote economic growth in the English regions.

The fund has already provided grants to some of the county’s large employers such as Pirelli in Carlisle and Gilbert, Gilkes & Gordon in Kendal.

But as the minimum award is £1m, which must be matched by private investment, small and medium-sized businesses are unable to qualify.

If the Cumbrian bids succeed, small firms would apply to the county council for a share of the £5m.

It is hoped that the money would create around 200 jobs.

Councillor Tony Markley, the Cabinet member responsible for economic development, said: “In plain terms, it allows the small fish to swim with the big fish in the dash for cash.”

The deadline for the latest tranche of bids to the regional growth fund closed last Wednesday.

There are at least four other bids, in addition to the local enterprise partnership’s. Kingmoor Park in Carlisle wants help to stimulate demand and attract occupiers to the industrial park.

Energy Coast West Cumbria, which has bid successfully before, is asking for funding to support the development of a low carbon and renewable energy project.

There are bids too to create an extreme indoor-sports activity centre in Cleator Moor and to enhance Windermere Steamboat Museum.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk