A SCHEME that has injected more than £87,000 into small businesses across a North Yorkshire district over the last three years has had another £30,000 added to its pot.

Councillors in Richmondshire have allocated funding to the authority’s Small Business Grant Scheme, which aims to support local businesses and economic growth with payments of up to £1,000.

In the three years to March 143 applications were received, of which 106 were supported for everything from IT and computer purchases to website support and training courses.

The cash is split across the five Area Partnership areas – with Central Richmondshire and the Upper Dales seeing the bulk of the £1,000 grants.

Councillor Ian Threlfall, deputy leader of Richmondshire District Council, said: “These grants may only be small amounts of cash but they are making a big difference to businesses around the district.

“We want to help all businesses – the £1,000 can give them a vital boost and help them fulfil their potential.”

Members of the authority’s corporate board have given their approval to the cash allocation.

Applications for the new tranche of cash open on November 1, and will close once the cash has been allocated.

Contact Samantha.coultish@richmondshire.gov.uk or phone 01748 901037 for more details.