Visitor economy businesses based in Derbyshire are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 to enable them to adapt, recover and rebuild in response to the pandemic.
Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, is offering grants to help local tourism and hospitality businesses respond to new consumer trends and changes in visitor behaviour.
Business grants are available to help small and medium sized businesses invest in valuable digital assets such as online booking systems, updated websites and cashless payment facilities.
Grants are also available to support the purchase of bike-friendly facilities, such as secure cycle storage, and accessible facilities to help local businesses cater for visitors with additional access needs.
The business grants programme is funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project, which supports business growth and development. Phase II of the project has provided over £80,000 of business grant funding to 28 Derbyshire businesses since 2019.
Business grants of up to £2,000 are available in the following areas:
- Digitalisation – e.g. an upgraded business website incorporating an online booking system, or a digital point of sale system.
- Accessibility – e.g. accessible equipment such as ramps, hearing loops and signage for people with additional access needs.
- Cycling – e.g. secure cycle storage and cycle maintenance equipment for visitor use.
- Internationalisation – e.g. website translation and the implementation of cashless payment facilities to encourage international visitors.
The deadline for businesses to register their interest for a business grant is Monday 12th September 2022.
Lindsay Rae, deputy director and head of industry engagement at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Our ERDF business grants programme has already been very successful, helping Derbyshire visitor economy businesses to grow, innovate and reach new markets.
“Now, as the industry recovers from the pandemic, we’re renewing calls for local businesses to register their interest for a grant to enable them to adapt and rebuild. These grants can help businesses respond to new consumer trends by investing in online booking facilities, updated websites and cycle facilities to support sustainable tourism.
“We expect to receive a large number of enquiries, so we urge eligible businesses to register their interest as soon as possible.”
Businesses applying for the grant funding must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be part of the visitor economy
- Located in Derbyshire
- Less than 250 employees
- Trading for more than 12 months
- Have a business bank account
Successful applicants will receive a 50% grant towards the cost of the overall project, with a minimum grant contribution being £1,000 and the maximum grant contribution being £2,000.
