Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report which updated Members on the progress made towards launching Phase Two of the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme.

Decision

The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee –

1.    Noted that Phase Two would create a £483k business support programme at no additional cost to the Council and that it can be delivered by the current head count within Business Gateway.

2.    Agreed the preparations for Phase Two, including the proposal to use all of the West of Scotland Loan Fund (WSLF) surplus of £150k as the Council’s match funding for Phase Two.

3.    Agreed to recommend to Council that the £75k West of Scotland Loan Fund (WSLF) surplus allocated for additional small and medium sized enterprises support is used in advance of an agreed Rural Growth Deal in order to be able to draw down European Structural Funds to maximise business growth opportunities within Argyll and Bute.

(Reference:  Report by Executive Director – Development and Infrastructure Services dated 5 February 2019, submitted)