Bristol’s small businesses and their supply chains can get help to adapt to the new economic and regulatory landscape thanks to a £1.5m fund from the West of England Combined Authority.
The Business Growth and Adaptions Grant, which opens for a second round of applications from 19 October, is aimed at enabling small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region to buy new products that will help increase production and enable growth. 
Businesses taking part will be able to access funding of up to £30,000 each.
West of England Combined Authority chief executive Patricia Greer said the money would support employers to better equip themselves for growth in challenging times.
“The grant is already helping small and medium-sized businesses purchase and implement new products and equipment, so they can increase production and drive business growth and expansion – which may lead to more jobs for people in the West of England,” she added. 
One business already being supported through the scheme is Bristol-based recruitment and executive Search firm Xist4, which helps organisations to build an inclusive workforce.
Xist4 director Gozie Ezulike, pictured, said: “I am incredibly grateful for the grant we received. It has helped raise Xist4’s profile in the eyes of our essential target audience and given us a fresh lease of life post-pandemic.”
Two funding streams are available, both for businesses employing fewer than 249 people - £6,000 to £10,000 for businesses that have traded for at least a year and £10,001 to £30,000 for businesses that have traded for at least three years.
Businesses will need to be able to provide at least 20% match funding and the project they are requesting funding for should support their operations or processes to maintain or increase their turnover.
The grants are part of the £10m Regional Recovery and Adaptions Fund agreed by the Combined Authority committee in April.
Applications close on Wednesday 9 November at noon.
For more details, including eligibility criteria, visit the Business Growth and Adaptions webpage.
Support and guidance are also available to help applicants develop their application writing skills. Contact Enterprisegrants@westofengland-ca.gov.uk to find out what is available.
