Small businesses, sole traders, social enterprises and registered charities in the Harrogate district are being reminded that time is running out for them to take advantage of a grant of up to £3,000 towards the cost of upgrading to better quality, high speed broadband.
The broadband connection voucher scheme, which is funded through the Government’s ‘Super Connected Cities’ programme, helps organisations to meet the upfront capital costs of a faster, better and more stable broadband connection to their premises – allowing them to offer customers improved service, increased reliability, and transforming the way they do business.
The scheme is forecast to end in October and, as it is run on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, local small businesses and charities are being urged to take advantage now so they don’t miss out.
Since the grant scheme started in April, over 170 businesses in the Harrogate district have received £270,000 toward the cost of upgrading their broadband.
The vouchers will cover the installation cost of the broadband connection from £100 up to a maximum of £3,000. It is also possible to receive a larger overall grant if groups apply and combine the overall value of their vouchers to improve a connection to a shared building, street or business park.
Businesses interested in taking advantage of the scheme can check their eligibility and apply on line via www.connectionvouchers.co.uk
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the scheme and sign up for it at ‘Faster Better Business’, which takes place on Thursday 3 September in the Queen’s Suite of Harrogate International Centre. Featuring Google’s Digital Garage and local broadband suppliers, the event aims to help businesses and charities learn crucial skills for the digital age and use the power of the internet to boost their organisations’ activities.
Councillor Richard Cooper, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “The broadband connection voucher scheme is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to upgrade their broadband and future proof themselves for the digital challenges of tomorrow.
“Faster, better broadband is essential for business success and can benefit organisations in a number of ways – whether it’s helping them to grow and so get into new markets, increasing their security through fast data back-up, or improving customer services through faster upload and download speeds.
“It can also have a positive impact on customer confidence, help businesses save money and drive growth – not just for individual businesses, but across the Harrogate district. Harrogate Borough Council is proud to be involved in this worthwhile scheme and I would urge local businesses and charities to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity before it’s too late.”
For more information or to have your questions answered, please email business@harrogate.gov.uk or call 01423 556546
