Purpose

To
accept the government Growth Hub grant funding for Financial Years 26/27 to
28/29 and delegate authority to the Executive Director for Place, in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets and Economic Growth
to design and deliver the function in line with government Growth Hub policy to
support Dorset businesses.

Content

(a)   
That the acceptance of the Growth Hub grant for
2026/27 - 2028/29 and its associated grant conditions, be approved.

 

(b)   
That the in principle proposed budget,
resourcing and activities, be approved.

 

(c)   
That authority be delegated to the Executive
Director, Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Property, Assets
and Economic Growth, to implement and adjust delivery plans within grant rules.

 

 

Reason for the decision

 

Accepting the funding advances the Council’s “Grow our
Economy” strategic priority and supports delivery of the Economic Growth
Strategy 2025–2040, supporting entrepreneurship and local business. It
contributed towards actions in the Council Plan aiming to narrow the Dorset to
UK productivity gap by 5% by 2029 and create 1000 business start-up courses for
16-34 year olds.