Croydon economy to be boosted by £2.5m business grant fund

Businesses in Croydon looking to create new jobs will now have access to growth grants of between £15k and £100k.

In total, nearly £2.5m is available from the Coast to Capital partnership, a coalition of businesses and local authorities that works to boost economic growth across a region extending from the Sussex coast to Croydon.

Grants will cover up to 40% of capital investment costs as along as a project can be shown to be creating new employment opportunities.

New firms, existing businesses, or social enterprises are all eligible as long as they employ fewer than 250 people.

Any proposal will be considered, but the partnership particularly welcomes projects based around advanced engineering, manufacturing, environmental technologies, creative or digital businesses, or healthcare, medical and life sciences.

Although Croydon is home to almost 50 large firms employing over 250 staff this still means that about 99% of local companies could benefit from the funds.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs, said: “This is a really great piece of news and it will definitely boost the local economy because successful applicants will need to show how they will create at least one new job for each £10,000 of grant they receive.

“That means if all the funding is used the programme will provide work for at least 250 people and we’d like to maximise this potential for Croydon businesses. Because this is a capital grant, the money will have to be spent on buildings, plant, or equipment that will have a long lifespan and will provide the foundation for future business growth.

“We’ve seen a steady growth in new businesses setting up in Croydon, and since 2013 we’ve already gone from 13,000 registered firms to almost 15,000. This fund will undoubtedly continue that trend.”