Lichfield and Burntwood businesses are being urged to take advantage of an £8million funding pot.

The money is being handed out by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP with the aim of helping more than 200 small or medium enterprise companies expand and grow.

The Business Development Programme will provide match grant funding of up to £15,000 for established and eligible SME businesses that have plans to expand and create jobs. There will also be assistance in the form of coaching and mentoring for SMEs that can demonstrate growth potential.

Available until June 2015, the scheme is expected to create more than 400 new jobs and safeguard over 400 more across the LEP’s region.

Councillor Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said: “This programme will really help businesses to grow and flourish, which will in turn help the local economy, stimulating enterprise, encouraging investment and creating and safeguarding jobs.

“I would urge businesses in Lichfield district that have aspirations of growth and expansion to get in touch and see whether the Business Development Programme is right for them.”

For more information visit www.gbslep.com

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.