Kickstarting Tourism Programme

To help the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire tourism & hospitality sector recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, we are now offering grants of up to £3,000.

In partnership with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub, the Kickstarting Tourism Programme is open for applications from small and medium-sized enterprises from Thursday 3^rd September.

Businesses need to complete an Expression of Interest form via the online portal in the first instance.  We anticipate high demand for these grant funds, which are available on a first come, first served basis.

NOTICE: SME Restart and Kickstarting Tourism Grant Schemes PAUSE 

15th September 2020. Thank you to the businesses who have completed an Expression of Interest form for the recently-released grant schemes. The Growth Hub has received an overwhelming number of EOI and applications, which the team are currently working through. In order to ensure the correct distribution of the funds, the schemes are now on hold whilst these are assessed.

If there are funds remaining after this process, then the schemes will be reopened and businesses will be notified through our marketing channels. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub is delighted with the volume of responses and we are proud to be overseeing the schemes to support Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire SMEs.

Eligible Project Costs

The grants, which are 100% grants and don’t require the applicant to match-fund, are intended to help businesses in their economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis.

They can be used for professional advice, equipment and technology.

For example, SMEs could use the funding for contactless payment solutions, table booking apps, or expert advice on diversifying their business – anything that could assist in their economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis.

Any business in the tourism and hospitality sector can apply, including accommodation providers, food & drink businesses, and attractions.

Applications

The deadline for applications is January 2021, but we would recommend applying as soon as possible, as grants are allocated on a first come, first served basis and we are expecting high demand.

You will need to complete an expression of interest form, to confirm your eligibility, before an application can be made.

To complete the Expression of Interest Form, visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/smeandtourismrestartgrants

The programme is funded by the European Union and businesses in receipt of grants will be subject to EU funding rules.

Eligibility Criteria

This funding is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) only.

Any business in the tourism and hospitality sector can apply, provided they are in a tourist area, dependent on visitors, and meet other eligibility criteria.

They must also be located within the administrative area of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP.

For full details of the Kickstarting Tourism Programme’s eligibility criteria, visit https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Business/Coronavirus-COVID-19-support-for-businesses/Small-to-medium-businesses/Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx