A new grant funding scheme for businesses is being launched by Cardiff Council.
Through the Digital Cardiff Connection Voucher Scheme businesses can apply for funding for the capital costs of installing a connection directly to their property in order to access superfast online capability. High-speed, high-quality, broadband will ensure that businesses in the Cardiff area are able to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the internet to reach new global markets. This will increase efficiency, enhance revenues and ultimately allow businesses to gain a more competitive edge in the market place.
This scheme allows SME’s a grant of up to £3000 each and the process to apply is very simple. All applications are made online through www.digitalcardiff.net by obtaining two quotes through the accredited list of suppliers; then have the work carried out before giving evidence of the successful installation of the broadband connection to claim the money back. The funding isn’t available towards the costs of monthly service charges.
This launch is the next phase of an ongoing initiative, as part of a 10.2 million pound investment to upgrade the city’s digital infrastructure. In 2013 the Council delivered a free to access Wi-Fi cloud in the city centre and future schemes will be developed including free Wi-Fi in public buildings and on buses.
Councillor Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Finance and Economic Development at Cardiff Council, said: “The internet gives businesses the opportunity to access global markets, to sell what is produced here in Wales to the world. Cardiff is already home to a higher percentage of fast-growing firms – or ‘gazelles’ as you might call them – than any other city in the UK. Without super-fast broadband many of these companies would not be here.”
“Cardiff is already one of the most digitally connected cities in Britain, with a higher percentage of our households able to access super-fast broadband than any of the other major core city in the UK. This £10m investment will build on this position of strength, forming a core part of our ambitions to rebuild momentum in the city economy over the coming years.”
Businesses are asked to make enquiries with the Council as soon as possible as all applications must be completed and orders placed with suppliers before March 31 2015.
