ORGANISATIONS in Malvern are being invited to bid for just over £1.1million of EU and Big Lottery funding to support the development of skills to overcome barriers to work, education and training.
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking a project to improve access to lifelong learning and support to boost the economy by working with employers.
A total of £1,130,100 is available and interested parties are being urged to come forward as soon as possible ahead of the deadline on November 24.
This funding is in addition to the £2million which was opened for bids in 2015 for two allied projects, making a total of £3.2million of funding investment for Worcestershire projects through Building Better Opportunities.
The funding will be managed by the Big Lottery Fund and will give voluntary, community and social enterprise groups access to the wider European Social Fund (ESF).
Money from the Big Lottery Fund and the ESF 2014-2020 provide a joint investment into projects which tackle poverty and promote social economic inclusion.
Gary Woodman, chief executive at Worcestershire LEP, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to receive support from the Big Lottery Fund and European Social Fund to create projects that overcome barriers to work, education and training.
“Local businesses will benefit from the development of individuals skills and will help to create further job opportunities, further boosting the local economy.
“I would encourage all organisations interested in delivering this support for local people and communities to visit the Big Lottery Fund website at the earliest opportunity to find out more and apply ahead of the deadline.”
The Worcestershire LEP has identified the issues challenging some of their communities and the opportunity which funding can address to them.
And the project is part of their remit to ensure businesses, local Government, third sector, higher and further education work together with a common, shared purpose – to create the conditions for economic growth, increasing prosperity and delivering the ten-year strategic economic plan for Worcestershire.
The competitive application stage opened on September 29. Grant competitions are fair, open and competitive and any organisation is eligible to apply, however most of the projects will be better suited to partnership working. All projects must be started by July to November 2017 and must be completed by July 2020 latest.
To apply for the funding, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.
