Devon businesses that would like to reach new clients can now apply for a grant from the latest round of Devon County Council’s Business Promotion Grant. Businesses in the area that are looking to reach a broader market by promoting their service and products at events and trade shows can now apply for a grant of up to £1,000.
The funding scheme was started last year by the Devon County Council. The scheme was supposed to be a part of the Devon Delivers programme that was supposed to let people know that Devon was a great location for businesses. So far, 20 companies have already benefited from the grant.
Devon County Council cabinet member for economy and skills, Stuart Barker stated that the grant’s purpose was to give businesses in Devon a chance to gain exposure at a national and international level by giving them funds to attend trade events in other parts of the UK. This would not only highlight the business but show people that this was a great place to conduct business. He continued by saying that he was quite pleased that they were launching another bidding round for the grant because if the firms could expand their market, the growth could only be positive for Devon.
He also commented on the previous round of the grant which he says was quite popular and enabled businesses in the county to showcase their brands in major events including BBC Good Food Show and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Powderkeg Brewery was among those who benefitted from the previous grant. The company is a microbrewery that specialises in craft beer. The brewers attended the London-based Craft Beer Rising event. Their pilsner, ‘Cut Loose’, won the Best Lager award at International Wine and Spirit Competition’s Beer Awards. The lager was also labelled one of the top 16 beers in the world.
Businesses that are eligible for the grant will be able to use the money to cover the direct exhibition costs at the event or show located outside Devon and the event will have to take place between July 2017 and March 2018. Only business/organisations that are in Devon can apply for the grant and only if the goods or service provided mostly come from Devon. Businesses that are promoting a new service or product and those in key sectors will have an edge.