A new grant scheme has been launched to aid local business growth in the Holbeck Urban Village area.

The grant offers assistance of up to £2,000 towards recruitment costs and the initial salary costs of new starters. Developed by Leeds City Council’s Holbeck Urban Village team to help businesses looking to expand in the area, the grant has a particular focus on positions for  recent graduates, long-term unemployed, parents returning to work and people living in LS10, LS11, LS12, LS26, LS27.

Brian Ablett programme manager for Holbeck Urban Village said: “The aim of the grant is to offer a small contribution to remove barriers to business growth in the area. The grant will enable businesses, who may need extra staff but struggle with initial costs for new employees, to benefit from their growth whilst minimising some of the risks and costs associated with recruiting new staff.”

Applicants are required to submit a brief 400 word summary of the new post and how this will benefit the strategic growth of their business. The criteria for the funding includes:

• The contract of employment must be for at least six months.
• The company must be in the Holbeck Urban Village area.
• The employment contract must be for 20+ hours.
• Proof of salaray payment must be provided to the Holbeck Urban Village team.

The closing date for applications is 5.30pm on Wednesday 22nd September 2010. Applications will also be considered for recent employees taken on from August 1^st 2010 to August 31^st 2010.

Successful applicants will be notified by 24th September 2010

To find out more or to register your interest please email: michael.canning@leeds.gov.uk by 17:30 Friday 10th September.