We're urging local businesses to make the most of a new pot of money which aims to help those with innovative ideas.
The new funding, £17.5m, is coming to the three East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships, with a share for D2N2, the partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Councillor Joan Dixon, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:"It's crucial for our economy that we help local businesses to grow and develop and this funding will help businesses to do just that.
"We need to grow the local economy and I would encourage businesses to take the opportunity to see if they could apply for some of this funding."
The programme will provide financial support ranging from £25,000 to £500,000 to over 100 existing businesses in the East Midlands who are looking to grow and invest in innovation. It will provide additional funds for D2N2's Unlocking Investment for Growth programme.
The funding is being provided by the European Regional Development Fund (£7m) and from the Government's Regional Growth Fund (£10.5m).
David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
"This additional funding programme is welcome news and will help to add further funds into our Unlocking Investment For Growth programme, which has already secured £5m from the Government's Regional Growth Fund to help local businesses grow and create new jobs."We want to use this money to help unlock key investment projects to grow the D2N2 region's economy and applications are being invited through our Unlocking Investment for Growth programme. I hope it encourages businesses to get in touch and express their interest and feel free to have a no obligation discussion."
To find out more about the programme contact Danielle Gillett at EMB on 0116 240 5200 or email danielle.gillett@embltd.co.uk
