Entrepreneurs in Newtown with dreams of launching a new business venture now have the opportunity to apply for Start-Up grants from Powys County Council.

With sums ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 up for grabs, local business owners can take advantage of this new funding initiative to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.

The council recently secured a total of £250,000 from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, which will be available for distribution until fully allocated.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, expressed the council's commitment to supporting economic development during challenging times, with a focus on creating a stronger, fairer, and greener local economy.

The grants will be awarded based on 50 per cent of eligible project costs or a maximum of £5,000 per job created, with at least one new job being a requirement to access the grant. The funding can be utilized for capital schemes and one-off revenue projects, but cannot cover regular operational expenses.

Priority sectors for the grants include Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Construction, Creative Industries, Energy and Environment, Finance and Professional Services, Information Technology, and Telecoms, among others.

Applications from sectors outside the listed priorities will be considered based on their contribution to the local economy, excluding farming, fishing, forestry, and statutory services.

Businesses participating in the program will be encouraged to pay employees the Real Living Wage and commit to sustainable development by signing up to the Welsh Government's Green Growth Pledge.

Applicants can submit an expression of interest for a Powys Business Start-Up Grant online or reach out to [email protected] for more information.