Over 8,700 firms have been helped in Cumbria thanks, in part, to European funding.
The cash was distributed via two support programmes from Cumbria Business Growth Hub – but now that funding has come to an end.
The hub, part of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, has worked with over 8,700 firms, which has helped create or safeguard 6,600 jobs and generate an estimated £330 million GVA.
Since January 1 2019, during the most recent ERDF funded programme, Cumbria Business Growth has worked with 1,423 Cumbrian businesses and provided 443 subsidies of between £1,000 and £7,000 for specialist consultancy support. This created 240.7 jobs, it said.
Since April 1 2019, its Business Start-Up Support programme has worked with 1,802 clients, helping 500 people become enterprise ready and supporting 311 young businesses intensively. It has also provided 117 subsidies of between £1,000 and £2,000 for specialist consultancy support.
Alongside the European funding, the schemes have been supported by funding from Carlisle City Council, South Lakeland District Council, Allerdale Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council, Sellafield, Penrith Industrial BID and Lancaster University.
Nataliia Pinchuk, of So Nataly Social, worked with the hub. She said: “Thanks to Cumbria Business Growth Hub, I transformed setbacks into opportunities, and today, I help businesses thrive in the digital world.
“Thanks to my business coach I’ve learned that language barriers and personal struggles can hold everyone back, but when you are fuelled by passion, you can achieve your goals. I embrace every challenge with gratitude, knowing that every step brings me closer to my dreams.”
Cumbria Business Growth Hub said the European funding activity was only ever one part of what it delivered and it will continue to support businesses across the county.
