£20m enterprise pot launched
European funding worth £20m is on offer for North West start-up businesses to "stimulate enterprise in disadvantaged areas".
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the North West has made £20m available to provide support for start-up businesses in areas of the region with higher than average unemployment rates. The fund aims to support "those underrepresented in enterprise".
There is also an open call for applicants to provide technical assistance in carrying out a number of projects.
The ERDF's Intensive Start Up Support (ISUS) programme ended in December 2011 but this new funding aims to meet the continued demand for self-employment support in the North West.
The ERDF said there will be more calls for projects throughout the year to support business growth in the region.
