THE Trafford Business Loan Fund has been formally launched by Cllr Brian Shaw, at the winter Trafford Park Business Network event at Hotel Football, Old Trafford.

Taking place in front of 70 businesses on February 10, the Trafford Park Business Network provided the perfect platform to launch a fund that will allow businesses to receive tailored financial support.

Cllr Brian Shaw, deputy executive member for economic growth, environment and infrastructure said: “There is a clear need for a project that enables businesses to access finance, and I am delighted that Trafford Council and Business Finance Solutions are working together to offer Trafford’s 13,000 businesses the chance to maximise opportunities, create jobs and boost economic growth.

"Often businesses are hindered by the lack of finance that is available from high street lenders, with some credible and viable business projects unfortunately not meeting the strict conditions set out in the post credit crunch environment.

"The Trafford Business Loan Fund will act as an alternative and will prove to be a valuable resource to a range of businesses across the borough.”

Through its partnership with Business Finance Solutions, Trafford Council is able to offer assistance to an array of businesses, with financial support ranging from £500 to as much as £500,000. The fund is available to start-up’s, established businesses hoping to expand and to exporters.

All interested businesses should contact Guy Darragh, Senior Strategic Growth Officer, business@trafford.gov.uk or 0161 9124176 and must support their application with a viable business plan including cash flow projections.

The Trafford Business Loan Fund is a partnership between Trafford Councils Strategic Growth Team and Business Finance Solutions who are part of the Manchester Growth Company.