Ipswich Central is launching an exciting new project called IMPROVE, an Independent Business Grant Scheme for independent businesses in the Ipswich BID area.

Independent businesses are key to the identity of towns like Ipswich but cashflow can restrict investment in their own companies and the surrounding area.

Paul Clement, Executive Director of Ipswich Central explains: "£20,000 has been made available to help independent traders enhance their business and the town centre area. For example, businesses may want to apply for new shop fascias or tables and chairs outside their premises. Alternatively, they may want to suggest that a sum of money is used for a marketing campaign to promote independent traders in Ipswich in general or on producing a guide to the independent retailers in Ipswich. We are looking forward to receiving the applications and allocating the money."

Businesses within the BID area will be eligible to apply for grants of between £500 and £5,000 to invest and the grants may be spent in hundreds of different ways. The decision on who the grants will be awarded to will be made by the Ipswich Central judging panel made up of M&S Chief Executive, Sir Stuart Rose James Hehir, Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council and Terry Hunt, Editor of the East Anglian Daily Times.

Terms & Conditions:

• Applicants must be indpendent businesses that are owner run and managed.

• Applicants must be businesses trading within the BID area.

• The minimum grant amount that can be applied for is £500. The maximum is £5,000.

• Ipswich Central is under no obligation to pay out the full £20,000.

• Approval of any grant may contain seperate and additional conditions that will be made clear at the time.

• Payment is made in respect of completed works only and made upon receipt of a satisfactory invoice (including VAT if applicable). The committee reserve the right to insist that payment is made to contractors of the approved projects.

• No correspondance will be entered into applications that are not approved.

Down load your applicatiion form by clicking on the pdf below