(Report of Chief Executive)
The report reviewed the local take up of the Escalate loan fund and set out options for future support. Proposals for the introduction of a small business boost programme to support small and medium sized businesses and encourage more local firms to apply were also presented.
Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:
(1) the success of the Escalate business loan scheme be noted; and
(2) the County Council be informed of the Borough Council’s preference for the introduction of a ‘small business boost’ element in any future loan programme.