§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Small Business Service is taking to promote the availability of Phoenix Fund grants in deprived areas. [7804]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Small Business Service is taking a range of actions to promote the availability of Phoenix Fund grants in deprived areas, including targeted mailshots to organisations that may wish to apply, news release for local press, TV and radio and information about the Fund on its website www.sbs.gov.uk/phoenix
A total of 668 applications have been received to date and 111 projects are under way. A further bidding round for support under the Fund for Community Development Financial Institutions is currently being held with a closing date of 26 October.