Financial AssistanceMerthyr Tydfil offers a business support package to help you realise your full potential. Whether you have an idea for a business start-up, wish to expand an existing business in the area, improve your efficiency or introduce some new technology, there could be a grant to help you.
The Authority has received support from the European Regional Development Fund towards its programme of economic development grants.
To qualify, businesses must be either a Small or Medium Sized Enterprise (SME). An SME is defined as:
a company with fewer than 250 employees; and
either an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 40 million, or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 27 million; and
not more than 25% of the capital or voting rights is owned by an enterprise which is not itself an SME.
Assistance is restricted to the manufacturing sector and related services. Local services such as shops and consumer services are not eligible for support. Financing of operating aid and working capital is also prohibited.
You can register your interest by filling out the following on-line form: Business Support Package Application
Types of Business Support Grants
Industrial Improvement
Grants up to 50% of the cost of improving and extending industrial properties with a maximum grant of £25,000. To qualify for the 50% aid intensity, the property will have to remain in the use for which the grant was approved for a period of 5 years.
Capital Assets Grant
Capped at £10,000 to support capital expenditure on non-mobile equipment. To qualify for a 50% grant rate, the project will have to be retained within the County Borough for at least 5 years. projects must also safeguard or create new jobs.
Tourism Development
A grant of up to £3,000 to support small-scale tourism investment projects or 50% of eligible costs, whichever is lower. This grant is intended to complement the Wales Tourist Board scheme that can support larger scale projects. The scheme is intended to support visitor attractions and existing providers of visitor accommodation but applicants will have to demonstrate a proven tourism use.
To qualify, projects must also result in an increase in visitor numbers. Pubs and restaurants are not eligible for support.
Business Planning
A grant to assist companies with the cost of employing professional advisors to draw up a comprehensive business plan to help maximise financial aid from public and private sector sources. The maximum grant is £3,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is lower.
Websites
Designed to assist with the cost of employing a consultant to establish a professional web presence. Grants up to £500 or 50% of the cost (whichever is lower) are available.
The Council also offers other grants which do not form part of the ERDF approval:
Community Business
A grant to support the preparation of a feasibility study, business plan, and capital investment for community business, up to a maximum grant of £5,000. An accredited firm of chartered accountants or equivalent professional organisation must prepare the business plan/feasibility study.
Broadband Subsidy
A grant of up to 50% of the cost of connecting to Broadband, from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) of the business’ choice, up to a maximum of £400. This could cover costs for new equipment such as modems, connection fees, subscription fees and other costs, such as the cost of setting up firewalls. The grant aims to encourages businesses to take up Broadband technology, which offers a fast, reliable and powerful way to connect to the Internet and allows businesses to get in touch with customers and suppliers across the world.
Businesses must be located within the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough and must remain for 2 years. Some types of business are not eligible for the grant
Community Business
A grant to support the preparation of a feasibility study, business plan, and capital investment for community business, up to a maximum grant of £5,000. An accredited firm of chartered accountants or equivalent professional organisation must prepare the business plan/feasibility study.
How to Apply
Application forms are available from the Regeneration department but applicants are advised to discuss their projects with the Council prior to making a formal submission. The availability of these grants however is dependent on funding.
For Further Information
Initial enquiries can be referred to the Regeneration Department, however for a more detailed discussion regarding your specific business needs, we recommend that you make an appointment in order for us to deal with your enquiry as effectively as possible.
To make an appointment, please contact the Regeneration Department:
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