Businesses across Sunderland are being encouraged to take advantage of Phase 3 of a funding programme that could significantly reduce the cost of investing in marketing, digital development and strategic business support.
The Sunderland Business Support Fund, delivered by NBSL, entered its latest phase last month, offering eligible Sunderlandbased businesses the chance to claim up to 40% funding towards approved business improvement projects. The scheme has been designed to help growing SMEs access external expertise that can support growth, improve resilience and unlock new opportunities.
For many businesses, marketing is often one of the first areas to be scaled back when budgets are tight, however, with competition increasing across sectors and customer expectations continuing to evolve, investing in a strong marketing strategy, digital presence and brand visibility has never been more important. This latest funding offer presents a timely opportunity for Sunderland businesses to access specialist support at a reduced cost and invest in activity that can deliver long-term value.
The fund is open to trading SMEs based in Sunderland that employ fewer than 250 members of staff, with further eligibility criteria outlined by NBSL. Grants are available for projects costing between £3,000 and £6,000, with up to 40% of eligible costs covered through the programme.
Importantly for businesses looking to strengthen their marketing activity, the fund can be used for a wide range of marketing-related services. These include marketing planning, marketing strategy development, web design and development, video production, design costs for marketing, social media management and access to fractional marketing manager support.
For Sunderland businesses unsure where to begin, Riverside Marketing Solutions, based at the North East BIC, is encouraging local companies to explore the fund and consider how it could support their next stage of growth. As a registered NBSL provider, Riverside Marketing can support businesses through both the application process and the delivery of eligible marketing projects.
Riverside Marketing works with businesses across the North East, providing practical, tailored support designed around the needs of ambitious SMEs. The business offers a broad range of services, from strategic marketing planning and campaign development through to website projects, social media management and outsourced senior marketing support. For businesses that need expert input but do not require a full-time in-house marketing lead, fractional marketing manager support can offer a flexible and cost-effective solution.
Nicola Halse, owner of Riverside Marketing, said: “As a registered provider with NBSL, this fund is a fantastic opportunity for Sunderland businesses to take a more strategic approach to their marketing and future growth.
For businesses that know they need to strengthen their marketing but have held back because of budget constraints, this support can provide the confidence to move forward with a clearer plan and real momentum behind their investment.
We have already worked with two clients to support applications for marketing strategy and website redevelopment projects and with up to 40% funding available, the scheme can make initiatives that may previously have felt out of reach far more achievable.
The scale of growth and investment happening across Sunderland is clear to see and it’s vital that local businesses capitalise on that opportunity. Having the right marketing strategy in place will help businesses raise their profile, stay competitive and put themselves in the strongest possible position for future growth.”
For growing businesses across Sunderland, the message is clear, if marketing investment is on the agenda this year, this funding programme could provide the ideal boost to get plans moving.
www.riversidemarketingsolutions.co.uk