A new scheme is offering micro, small and social enterprise businesses up to £5,000 of match-funding, provided they can raise an equivalent amount from 10 or more supporters.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) set up the Crowdfund Dorset Business campaign in response to the first wave of the covid-19 pandemic. Developed as part of Crowdfunder UK’s pay-it- forward campaign and with support from Enterprise Nation, the scheme has so far pledged over £36,000 in match-funding to nine businesses and projects across Dorset.

Among them is Weymouth’s Nothe Fort, which raised £5,000 through crowdfunding, matched by Dorset LEP, to make the heritage attraction covid safe, enabling over 35,000 visitors to safely enjoy the attraction throughout the summer of 2020.

Lorna Carver, Dorset LEP director, said: “While there has been a substantial amount of government funding available to businesses in Dorset throughout the pandemic, there are inevitably businesses and organisations who fall through the cracks or that have been – and continue to be – affected more than others.”

“Along with a range of other business support schemes, we created Crowdfund Dorset Business as an additional opportunity to help local businesses and organisations – from sole traders through to larger SMEs – adapt to the challenges of trading through the pandemic. We have seen how it has made difference to some businesses already, and while restrictions remain in place, we’re sure it can benefit others as well.”

Other projects that have received funding include Christchurch Seagulls Swimming Club, Chaplin’s Bar, Coda Music Trust and the Dorset Artists Emergency Fund.

The Crowdfund platform provides great access and support to attract investors and supporters and once eligible applicants have reached 25% of their target, Dorset LEP will commit match-funding of up to £5,000 payable when the target is met.

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