IT’S THE Hackney Local Area Activation Fund (LAAF), and businesses are invited to bid for a share now. The Fund has been put together as part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to bring life back to local High Streets.
The Council is inviting local businesses to bid for grants of £2,000-£4,000. This is actually the second round of bidding: the first round saw over £31,000 being awarded to seven Hackney projects. Those grants helped to launch Hackney’s Dive Bar Festival, Earth Day celebrations and the “Spring into Stokey” programme. Between them, the organisations which received grant money organised over 30 events which were attended by thousands of Hackney people.
Bids to the second round of funding can be used to pay the operational costs of running projects that boost footfall, bring residents and businesses together, and support the local economy. Examples of initiatives which could run with the help of this funding are: •Events and Festivals: Collaborative markets, pop-ups, or seasonal celebrations •Joint Marketing Campaigns: Shared digital campaigns, town centre websites, or local maps •Accessibility Improvements: Creating accessible marketing materials and high street guides •Customer Loyalty and Trails: Cross-promotional reward schemes or themed walking and cycling tours
Projects must involve and benefit Hackney businesses, enhance local accessibility or increase visitor numbers. Events must be held by Sunday, 27th September.
Applications for funding are encouraged from Black, Asian and Global Majority owned businesses and those with a diverse workforce, and for projects which support communities which traditionally face barriers to funding. Grants will not be given for structural building work or to purchase equipment – or to fund activities which have already taken place.
Cllr Rachel Nkiessu-Guifo, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Skills, High Streets and Markets, said, “Our town centres and high streets are the heartbeat of communities. This fund is a direct response to feedback from local businesses, helping deliver a stronger local economy. By backing our local business partnerships with grants of up to £4,000, we are helping them bring more people into our town centres, support local trade, and ensure Hackney’s high streets remain vibrant places for everyone.”
●The deadline for applications is 11pm on Sunday, 21st June. For more information, email BusinessSupport@hackney.gov.uk or go to: Hackney LAAF
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