Government Fund Launched to Aid New Business Ventures

New businesses and independent professionals aiming to establish or expand their operations are eligible to apply for assistance from a £1.6 million government funding pool. The Cumbria Accelerator programme is accessible to entrepreneurs situated across the Westmorland and Furness area. Applicants can seek a £500 grant, which is non-repayable, from the fund administered by the council, intended to help launch their businesses. Eligible enterprises will also be provided with individualized mentoring from specialists knowledgeable about the challenges of developing a business in the region, the local authority further stated. Paul Foster, head of programmes at Enterprising Cumbria, the organization responsible for delivering the initiative, commented that it could benefit anyone considering self-employment. He stated, “Running a business can be extremely rewarding, but it’s important to take external advice and support to make sure you are accessing everything you can.”