The third round of the learning disabilities and autism business grants has been opened by Essex County Council.
A total of £195,000 is available to small and medium-sized businesses, with £150,000 coming from the county council.
The remainder of the funding comes from Chelmsford City Council and Epping Forest District Council through the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Successful applicants can receive grants of up to £25,000, which aim to remove barriers and create significant employment opportunities for individuals with additional needs.
The funding can be utilised for various business needs, including salaries, start-up costs, equipment, and training.
The scheme, which has previously run twice, was awarded the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award in 2023 by The British Association for Supported Employment.
This funding is available for businesses with a new, creative, and innovative proposal; a proposal that is both viable and sustainable; or those wishing to open or expand and employ adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Circles Alternative Education in Stock, a past grant recipient, used the funding to bridge the gap between work experience and employment for people with learning disabilities, autism, or ADHD.
The business’s director, Alex Stone, said: “We used the funding to launch a new side to our business called ‘Branching Out’.
“The funding has had a huge impact, allowing us to take on new commercial contracts and employ motivated young people with learning disabilities.
“These are all paid employment positions and are real working projects, based within local communities, such as developing and improving woodland areas.”
He added: “The funding has been so important to allow us to fully support our young people to grow and develop their skills and also receive emotional and social support, as they learn to engage with the workplace environment.
“We hope this will lead to greater career aspirations for them and a brilliant future either within our company or elsewhere.”
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 12.
Businesses interested in applying for the grant can find more information and request an application pack by emailing BusinessGrants@essex.gov.uk.
