With almost £3.4m already committed time is running out to apply for grant funding through the Cumbria Growth Fund. Manufacturing businesses (including artisan producers) or those providing services to manufacturing of any size throughout Cumbria are eligible to apply for funding of between £10,000 and £1m, as are inward investors. (Unfortunately start-up businesses are not eligible).

If you’re a small or medium sized enterprise (up to 250 full time equivalent employees) a Growth Hub adviser is available free of charge to help with an Expression of Interest and any subsequent application, and to help you access any other relevant support available to you. Contact [email protected] or call 0844 257 8450 to arrange. If you’re a larger business please contact [email protected] for more information.

Cumbria Growth Fund is a Regional Growth Fund programme funded by the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy. The Cumbria Growth Fund is delivered by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CN Media and UNW LLP.

Defra has launched a new grant scheme to champion food tourism which is open to applications until 26 September 2016. The grant scheme forms part of the Defra's Great British Food Campaign, which aims to celebrate our world class food industry and culture, drive growth and jobs in the sector and enhance Britian's reputation as a great food nation. Grants are available from between £5,000 and £25,000. Projects will be expected to start at the end of October 2016 and be completed by the end of March 2017. For more information and to apply, click here.

There are currently a number of opportunities available for you to locate your business at Carlisle Enterprise Centre.

IPPR  considers Carlisle in a report on ‘The Role of Small and Medium-sized Towns and Cities in Growing the Northern Powerhouse’

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has for the past 3 years run the BSUS (Business Start-Up Support) project for Cumbria.