NDC Business Grants
18th August 2008
The NDC Business Grants fund is a scheme by which local businesses can request funding of up to £10,000. It is open to applications from eligible businesses located within the NDC area that are seeking to improve the strength and sustainability of their business and retain facilities for the benefit of NDC residents.
What is NDC?
Doncaster Central New Deal for Communities (NDC) is a government funded regeneration programme aimed at parts of Hexthorpe, Woodfield, Hyde Park, Balby and Netherhall. The programme is led by a Board made up of local residents and agency representatives and is working towards specific priorities in different theme areas.
What costs can be funded?
Business Grants are designed to enable local organisations to access funding to improve their business for the benefit of the NDC area or residents, this could include funding for: security improvements, ITC improvements (including equipment & software), business specific equipment, premises improvements such as shop fronts and signage (i.e. with an environmental impact), or building work to ensure DDA compliance or for reasons of expansion or health & safety.
What can’t be funded?
O Day-to-day costs or salaries.
O Services that are the responsibility of a statutory body.
O Any costs incurred prior to the Grants Panel’s approval of the project.
Points to consider
¤ Businesses can apply for 50% of the total cost up to a maximum amount of £10,000. Applicants must match the amount of funding awarded by NDC from either personal/business funding or alternative appropriate funds.
¤ Businesses can apply as many times as necessary for up to a total of £10,000 in a 12-month period.
¤ NDC can fund 100% costs if the application is for security measures in response to racial harassment (supporting evidence from South Yorkshire Police will be required)
¤ Franchisees may apply (if other eligibility criteria is met) but details of the franchise agreement should be provided to show no financial support is provided by the franchisor.
¤ Market Traders may apply but must provide evidence that they hold a permanent, regular pitch.
¤ Community Interest Companies or Social Enterprises may apply for both Business Grants & Community Grants but the combined amount funded through grants must not exceed £50,000 in a 12-month period.
¤ If security shutters are applied for, the business should consider internal ‘grille’ type shutters or the perforated ‘see through’ type shutters, as these are less detrimental to the visual environment of the area. Where this is not practical, shutters should be coated in a colour in-keeping with the business or surrounding area, rather than the plain galvanised grey type.
¤ Successful applicants will have 3-months in which to access the funding from the date of approval. If the application is approved in February or March, the funding must be accessed by the end of the financial year (i.e. 31st March)
¤ Approved grant funds will be released on completion of the project
¤ If the business is moving or relocating into the area the move must be for reasons of expansion, rather than a change in its trading principles.
¤ If the business has been in operation for less than 12 months, or is significantly changing its trading principles, it will be viewed as a new business and therefore ineligible for funding through the scheme.
¤ If the business closes, sells up, relocates etc within 12-months of receiving the grant, steps may be taken to recover funding.
What is the process?
Firstly, complete the enclosed application form and ensure you have all required quotes and supporting documentation needed to make an application (refer to your help booklet for further details). Send your completed application form to the Grants Team at NDC who will check no further information is needed. It will then be presented to the NDC Grants Panel for a decision at its monthly meeting. The Panel will use the assessment criteria below to make a decision on the application:
Funding the application will:
· Address an evidenced need
· Develop the business or its activities (providing they are working in line with the other criteria)
· Assist the Business to continue trading in the NDC area
· Enable the Business to trade more effectively
· Create new jobs or provide potential training opportunities
· Enable the retention of employees
· Improve the environment of the NDC area
· Help to tackle crime or anti-social behaviour
· Benefit the NDC area or residents
· Promote NDC support to local businesses (in the manner requested by NDC)
What else will I need to provide?
Every application must include the following:
· Quotes (2 written for anything above £500, 3 written for anything above £5000)
· Evidence that the business is operating e.g. accounts, bank statements, correspondence, up-to-date insurance etc.
· Proof of names and home addresses of owners/directors
· Evidence of relevant permissions (e.g. planning, landlord / lease agreement, building control etc.)
· Evidence of appropriate insurance (e.g. if purchasing equipment)
· A supporting Crime Reduction Report for security themed applications
· A copy of the franchise agreement or evidence of a permanent, regular market pitch if appropriate.
What happens if my application is approved?
If your application is approved you will be asked to sign a Terms and Conditions agreement and then you can commence arranging the work/purchases. When the work is complete or the purchases have been made, NDC can award your grant in two ways:
1) You will pay the full cost of the work / purchases and NDC will release the grant award on receipt of copies of the paid invoices.
2) You will instruct the supplier to invoice NDC directly and submit payment to NDC for your portion of the total amount. NDC will pay the invoices in full on receipt of the applicant’s payment.
Some time after the grant has been awarded and spent, the Grants Team will provide a short form and request you complete a report to evaluate the success of the funding.
You will also be required to promote NDC through your business, this could take the form of a plaque, a notice for your window or wall, or the inclusion of the NDC logo on your company vehicles (if the funding has contributed to their purchase).
Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
If the Grants Panel decides to reject your application then you will be given the reasons why it was declined in writing. If you believe the Panel has made an unfair decision then there is an appeal process to follow and unsuccessful applicants wishing to appeal should contact the Grants Team immediately after receiving the decision letter as the process is time bound. You will be asked to complete an appeal form stating the reasons you believe the Panel has made an unfair decision. This form will be submitted, along with your application and other documents, to NDC’s Finance & Commissioning sub-group who will then consider the appeal and provide a decision. This decision will be final.
Where can you get help?
You can contact the Grants Team on 01302 735766 if you have any further questions or need advice.
If you would like further information about the NDC programme in general or would like to get involved and/or share your views, please contact the Community Engagement Team on 01302 862637 or visit our website www.doncasterndc.co.uk
* Contact the Grants Team if you would like to see a copy of the Terms and Conditions before applying.
