Pendle businesses have been urged to take advantage of business grants, which can be worth up to £18,000.

The grants are being administered by Pendle Council and funded by the Department of Levelling Up and Communities and Housing, via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The purpose of the grants is to support Pendle businesses with investment in research, development and innovation.

They must be used for the adoption of ‘new to the firm’ technologies or processes in order to demonstrate an improvement in productivity.

The maximum grant value is £18,000 and businesses have from April 1 to March 31, 2025, to spend the money and provide evidence of an increase in productivity.

It is advised companies apply before April 2024, as funding is limited and due to the tight timescale.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council and portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, said: “These grants will help to fund the growth and development of existing businesses in the borough.

“They can be used to fund either a research element or a development stage - or both. They could fund research activity with local organisations or pay for new equipment.

“I hope local businesses will take full advantage of them.”

For more information, visit www.pendle.gov.uk/innovategrant

If you are interested in applying for a grant, contact Mike Williams via email michael.williams@pendle.gov.uk or by calling 01282 661963.