BUSINESSES in Worcestershire are invited to apply for funding and support to help them adapt in response to Covid-19.

Firms based within the Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest areas are eligible to apply for the £2 million Pivot and Prosper Grant Fund, which gives businesses the opportunity to apply for match funding up to £40,000.

This is part of the Step Forward scheme launched by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP).

The funding is aimed at organisations who are seeking to accelerate their recovery from Covid-19 by embracing new business models, entering new markets or changing the way they work, leading to growth in productivity.

Businesses can apply for funding via the Pivot and Prosper Grant Fund, or find out more about GBSLEP’s Step Forward business support schemes at yourstepforward.co.uk.

Redditch Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer said: “As a Redditch business owner myself, I know from speaking to colleagues that we are all trying to find a new way of working to recover losses and also to adapt to changes to how we will operate in the future.

“If help is available then it needs to be taken and I would urge any business who can benefit from this support to get in touch to see if they are eligible.”

Bromsgrove District Council Leader Karen May said: “This is extremely important support which is free for businesses to access and tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses in sectors which will be impacted by the pandemic.

“The schemes are not just about supporting business recovery, but also putting companies in the best position to succeed and prosper going forward.

“Our independent businesses and traders across the district have been particularly hit by the pandemic and I would urge any business who can benefit from this to get in touch to see if they are eligible for support.”

To apply for the Pivot and Prosper Grant Scheme, businesses must work in either Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Business Professional & Financial Services, Creative Industries, Energy & Low Carbon, Life Sciences, Food & Drink manufacturing, and have between 10 and 100 employees.