City of Wolverhampton Council is getting behind the city’s small businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 3. The importance of handing out small ‘seed’ funds to assist fledgling businesses to take their first steps has been recognised, with a small grant programme now in place. New businesses have the chance to get their hands on £250 grants if they meet the criteria following an appraisal by business advisors from Access 2 Business (A2B), who also assist with business plans.

The first successful applicants were presented with their cheques at A2B’s ‘Celebrating Fall into Enterprise’ event earlier this month. The recipients were Darren Broadbent (creating 3D images using lego/toys), Paul Watts (IT support back up services), Helen Russon (garden services), Joanna Breakway (HR consultancy service), and Nigel Speller (health & fitness instructor).

As part of the Small Business Saturday campaign the city has arranged for some of these businesses to have stalls, without charge, at the Christmas Market on Dudley Street on Saturday. Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The council and its city partners work closely with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly through our skills and employability team and A2B.

“Our efforts have been recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses at the Local Authority Small Business Friendly Awards, picking up awards in each of the last four years. “We very much value the presence of these small businesses and the creative local people behind them. These are the businesses that help give Wolverhampton its own identity and character.”

In January, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, will also launch the inaugural Wolverhampton Independent Retail Excellence Awards.

The annual awards are being led by Wolverhampton BID in partnership with the council.

They will recognise independent shops, cafes and other independent enterprises, as well as reward entrepreneurs.