Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom today unveiled a £10 million grant scheme for business organisations and trade associations to support businesses in preparing for Brexit ahead of 31 October 2019
The Business Readiness Fund is open to business organisations and trade associations throughout the UK and will support events, training and the production of advice packs to assist businesses in making sure they are fully prepared for a Brexit on 31 October 2019.
Activities funded by the grants must be open to both members and non-members, and to businesses large and small preparing for Brexit on 31 October. This will ensure all businesses will benefit and can be reassured that they are fully ready, from major British producers to the smallest tech startups and entrepreneurs. There will be no barriers, such as affordability of membership.
Applications for grants will be accepted up to Friday 20 September 2019 and administered through a dedicated website, to be launched on 29 August 2019 and available through GOV.UK shortly. Funding will have to be used on activities to be completed ahead of 31 October 2019 in order to ensure they are focused on Brexit preparations and that our businesses are fully prepared for Brexit day.
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said:
Craig Beaumont, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Small Business said:
Notes to Editors:
The fund will be open to business organisations (including the Federation of Small Businesses, BCC or Institute of Directors), trade associations, chambers of commerce, chartered institutes and other professional membership bodies with a significant membership.
Applications are invited for practical advice and support, including (but not limited to): advice packs; information campaigns; webinars; podcasts; events or training workshops.
Activities supported by the fund must:
Proposed initiatives will be required to deliver their intended impact by the 31 October 2019, and this will be subject to HM Government scrutiny.
The funding forms part of the £108m recently announced by HM Treasury to promote and support businesses in ensuring they are ready for Brexit, including a national programme of business readiness and helping exporters to prepare for, and capitalise on, new opportunities.