04 May 2018

£9.7m loan scheme relaunched

£9.7m loan scheme relaunched

Dorset LEP is relaunching its £9.7 million Growing Places Fund – a repayable loan scheme that encourages jobs and housing creation in Dorset.

Funded by central government, the loan scheme is designed to unlock capital projects which have a significant economic impact and can quickly deliver tangible economic outcomes.

The Fund may also be used where businesses are unable to access alternative funding mechanisms for viable schemes that will deliver economic growth and support Dorset LEP’s strategic objectives.

Following the early success of some of the Growing Places Fund schemes, Dorset LEP has already seen some loans repaid. As a result, the Fund is being relaunched and open for new applications.

Jim Stewart, Chair Dorset LEP said: “Successful allocation of the Growing Places Fund has already been used to unblock much needed employment land in east, west and north Dorset, as well as support small and medium –sized businesses.  We are now encouraging businesses to get in contact with Dorset LEP to see if they are eligible for a loan.“ 

OPEN CALL MAY 2018

The Growing Places Fund is an ‘evergreen’ fund allocated on a competitive basis through open calls. Following the early success of some of the Growing Places Fund schemes, Dorset LEP has already seen some loans repaid.

We are currently seeking applications for GPF loans from a range of private sector businesses and public sector organisations operating in Dorset. Our GPF Prospectus and application form can be accessed here:

The deadline for submission of the application form is on 17:00 on Friday 22 June 2018.

Businesses that are interested to learn more about the Fund or would like to speak to Dorset LEP to inquire whether their project may be eligible for this loan should contact:

Martina Hanulova
Programmes Manager, Growing Places Fund
T: 07925 891380
E: mhanulova@bournemouth.ac.uk

For further information visit http://dorsetlep.co.uk/funding/growing-places-fund/