BUSINESSES in York are being urged to take advantage of up to £10,000 of funding to invest in new digital technology under the Government-backed Digital Enterprise programme, before the window for applications closes next month.

Digital Enterprise has launched the third phase of its Digital Growth Vouchers scheme for SMEs in the Leeds city region which provides funding of between £2,000 and £10,000 towards new IT hardware and software, or to upgrade broadband connectivity.

Available to firms that employ between two and 250 people, with a turnover of no more than £43 million, Digital Growth Vouchers can be used to fund at least 50 per cent of the cost of new technology. Businesses have until June 15 to apply for funding.

Digital Enterprise programme manager, Muz Mumtaz, said: “Cutting edge digital technology can have a significant impact on the success of a business and is a vital catalyst for business growth.

“A small investment can lead to a raft of improvements such as cost and time savings, better customer service, and the opportunity to expand on the products or services you offer.”

Since its launch in October 2016, Digital Enterprise, which is backed by both the UK Government and the European Regional Development Fund, has agreed funding with more than 450 businesses in the Leeds city region, providing more than £1.7m for digital projects. The investment is set to deliver a £5m boost to the regional economy and generate more than 1,200 jobs. Up to 130 businesses will be able to take advantage of the latest round of funding.

Businesses must be based in one of the nine Leeds city region areas of Leeds, Bradford, York, Wakefield, Harrogate, Calderdale, Selby and Craven.