Grants of up to £1,000 are available to help firms in the county to promote their products and services to wider audiences at trade shows and events.
More than 20 companies have benefited from the funding scheme launched by Devon County Council last year as part of its Devon Delivers programme, which promotes Devon as an innovative business location with great businesses.
Cllr Stuart Barker, Devon County Council cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “The aim of the Business Promotion Grant is to provide Devon businesses with the opportunity to gain national and international exposure by attending trade shows across the UK – which also highlights Devon as a location for thriving business. I’m pleased that we’re launching another round of the bidding process as it’s a great opportunity for local firms to expand their customer base. Their growth, in turn, has a positive impact on Devon’s economy.
“The previous rounds of the scheme proved extremely popular and enabled around 20 businesses from all over the county to showcase their brands at high-profile events, such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and BBC Good Food Show.”
Among the previous successful applicants was Powderkeg Brewery, a craft beer microbrewery based in Woodbury Salterton, that attended the Craft Beer Rising event in London. Last year, Powderkeg Brewery’s pilsner ‘Cut Loose’ went on to win ‘Best Lager’ at the Beer Awards run by the International Wine and Spirit Competition, where it was described as “one of the 16 best beers in the world”.
The funding will support eligible businesses to cover direct exhibition costs of attending a trade show or event outside of Devon between July 2017 and March 2018.
The grants are only available to businesses or organisations based in Devon, and providing products or services originating substantially in Devon. Preference will be given to businesses promoting a new product or service, and also to those in key sectors including digital/creative, advanced engineering, business/professional, distribution/logistics, research/science, energy and marine.
Application forms and guidelines are available at www.investdevon.co.uk/business/devon-delivers-business-promotion-grant.
Applications should be submitted to [email protected] no later than noon on Monday, July 10. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, July 21.
For further information contact Geri Panteva on 01392 383884 or [email protected].