Opportunity Goole, one of eight projects that make up the Goole Town Deal regeneration programme, has launched a grant funding scheme that both individuals and organisations can apply to.
Grants of up to £50,000 are now available for projects designed to enhance the local economy in some way, and that they wouldn’t have been able to access the funding elsewhere. The grant scheme will be open to organisations initially and will then begin to accept applications from individuals soon afterwards.
Opportunity Goole Project Manager Dawn Redfern said: “The eligibility criteria is deliberately very broad and the grant scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 in the Goole area. The main requirement is that the grants should be used to boost the local economy in some way. So, for example, an organisation may want to apply for grant funding to pay for some training for its workforce.
“Meanwhile, an individual could apply for funding towards transport costs to help them secure employment or give them access to training. However, if applicants can access the funding they need elsewhere, we’ll signpost them to that instead. The idea is that the Opportunity Goole grant scheme provides financial support that people can’t find elsewhere.”
Phil Jones, Chairman of the Goole Town Deal Board, welcomed the launch of the Opportunity Goole grant scheme, adding: “Since its launch earlier this year, Opportunity Goole has already delivered some really positive outcomes for both individuals and employers. The launch of this new grant scheme is a really positive step because it has been designed to fill a gap in existing provision so the criteria is very broad and flexible. Even if you’re unsure whether you’d be eligible to apply, it’s well worth emailing the team or popping in to Goole Library to see them and talk your ideas through.”
Members of the Opportunity Goole team are also be able to help and advise applicants with their grant funding applications. Anyone who would like to apply or find out more is asked to email the team at: opportunity.goole@eastriding.gov.uk.
Members of the Opportunity Goole team are based within Goole Library on Carlisle Street in the town centre and both local residents and businesses/employers looking for free support are welcome to drop in and see them or can email in advance to pre-book an appointment. Billed as a ‘one-stop shop’, Opportunity Goole provides easy access to information about local job opportunities, training provision, business support and more to anyone over the age of 16 years, regardless of whether they’re employed, unemployed or retired. The team can also help people to access information about Goole Town Deal and workforce development, helping individuals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure employment and ensuring that employers can recruit local people with the skillset that they’re looking for.
For more information about Opportunity Goole and the other projects funded by Goole Town Deal, visit www.gooletowndeal.co.uk.
