NEW and existing businesses needing a funding boost in Trafford are being encouraged to apply for a new loan package to help them on their way.

Under the scheme businesses are being offered interest free loans under the Town Centre's Business Growth Programme in which Trafford Council will loan potential or existing eligible businesses in Altrincham, Sale, Stretford or Urmston town centres the cash to fulfil their potential.

It follows the success of a previous scheme set up in 2013 which has created jobs in across the borough.

The new loan fund offers the following:

• up to £20,000 to businesses who will bring vacant ground floor premises back into use;

• up to £5,000 to help promote and market a business and ensure that it remains competitive; and

• up to £1,000 to help a business to upskill or improve customer care.

Executive councillor for housing and strategic planning, David Hopps said: "We are currently investing heavily in improving the look, feel and flow of Altrincham and Stretford Town Centres; ploughing millions of pounds into regeneration works. We have a dedicated Town Centres Team which acts as the first point of contact to assist businesses in, or looking to locate to, the area and a Business Growth Advisor is on hand to provide specialist one-on-one support for businesses.

We now need the entrepreneurs to make the next step by opening that dream business and existing businesses to take advantage of the help and support on offer in order to grow and flourish.”

A scheme to encourage businesses to occupy vacant units has been operating across Trafford since 2013 and has already helped 28 businesses get up and running with an estimated118 jobs being created and more than £1m of private investment has been levered into town centres as a direct result of these openings.

Cllr Hopps added: "We are currently investing heavily in improving the look, feel and flow of Altrincham and Stretford Town Centres; ploughing millions of pounds into regeneration works. We have a dedicated Town Centres Team, which acts as the first point of contact to assist businesses in, or looking to locate to, the area and a Business Growth Advisor is on hand to provide specialist one-on-one support for businesses.

"We now need the entrepreneurs to make the next step by opening that dream business and existing businesses to take advantage of the help and support on offer in order to grow and flourish.”

For further information or to apply call 0161 912 4176 or email business@traff-ord.gov.uk