Monday 21st September 2015

Small and medium sized businesses, registered charities, social enterprises and sole traders across Hampshire, including Gosport, are eligible to apply for a Government grant of up to £3,000 towards the cost of upgrading their internet connection.

The national scheme has had £40m of government funding and Hampshire County Council are partnering with Dorset County Council to enable Hampshire based applications.  The vouchers are available on a ‘first come first served’ basis, so you are advised to apply as soon as possible.

To secure a grant you will need a bespoke connection quote and complete an application; or take a pre-registered package from a registered supplier (there are approximately 20 in our region to choose from).  For more details see www.connectionvouchers.co.uk and enter the postcode of your business premises to confirm eligibility.  This can be a residential address if that is the main base for your business.

The connection cost must be at least £100 and the maximum grant contribution is £3,000.  All you are required to pay is any balance over £3,000 plus the VAT element of the connection; and the cost of the ongoing monthly subscription.

Please note that for those submitting applications for a bespoke connection, the scheme in this region is being administered by Bournemouth council.  See the following link for their contact details https://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/city/bournemouth/.

A number of Gosport businesses successfully secured grants when the scheme was previously available, including SailRacer.  See the following case study to find out more about the benefits it secured as a result of upgrading its internet connection https://www.investingosport.co.uk/grow-a-business/grants-and-finance/sailracer-grant-case-study.

For the press release announcing the partnership between Hampshire and Dorset county councils see the following link http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist?id=690950&stdate=&relatedlinks=no&pagetitle=Hampshire%20businesses%20urged%20to%20take%20up%20superfast%20broadband%20grant