This may well be of interest to companies in Herefordshire and Shropshire (taken from the Rural Hub newsletter):

Herefordshire and Shropshire Councils have secured European Regional Development Funding to run the
Business Enterprise Fund jointly, with £500,000 available in each county for start ups and businesses to bid
into over the next three years.
For individuals wanting to start up a business, capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible
investment or a maximum of £1,500. For small and medium sized businesses that are currently trading,
capital grants are available for up to 50% of the eligible investment or a maximum of £1,500 for those trading
under 9 months old or a maximum of £5,000 for a business over 9 months old.

Due to European regulations, the Fund is restricted to certain sectors.
Unfortunately, the fund cannot support:
Retail and other businesses that solely sell products or services directly to the general public
Land-based industries including farms.
The next application deadline is 10th January 2012.
For further information contact:
To discuss your eligibility and receive an application form,please contact Lyndsay McCron, Project Officer -
tel: 01432 383633 / email: lmccron@herefordshire.gov.uk