About the fund
We have developed this fund to support businesses to move towards increased digitisation.
Due to unprecedented demand, we closed this funding scheme at noon on 9 March.
We will support businesses that seek funding for:
- 1-2-1 specialist digital advice
- new technology, such as e-commerce platforms, contactless payment systems, website development, software development, IT hardware and software for example, to support remote working, digitisation of processes
The minimum funding amount is £1,000 and the maximum funding amount is £5,000. Up to 100% of project costs can be funded, including irrecoverable VAT if the business is not VAT registered.
The funding is also able to provide a contribution to a larger project where the applicant is able to pay any remaining costs over £5,000.
The scheme is open to businesses with less than 50 employees. We are particularly keen to receive applications from those with less than 10 employees.
One application per business is allowed.
Businesses that make an overall profit once fund income is included are subject to tax.
If your project is ineligible for this scheme you may be able to access an alternative Lincolnshire County Council grant.
For more business support information as a result of Covid-19, visit GOV.uk.
What happens next?
Expressions of Interest will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
All Expressions of Interest are expected to have been reviewed by 26 March 2021.
Applicants will receive an email notification which clearly confirms that they have been either successful or unsuccessful.
Successful businesses will be emailed a longer application form along with guidance information to help them complete the form.
The application form should be completed and returned within 2 weeks.
The maximum value of grant funding will be ring-fenced until such time as the application is either approved or rejected.
Approved applications will receive 60% of the value of their Digital Voucher up front. The applicant then has 6 weeks to complete their project.
A claim form will then need to be submitted providing evidence of the expenditure and the remaining 40% of funding can then be released.
Once all of the available funding is ring-fenced, any remaining applicants will be placed on a reserve list.
If a successful project does not progress, or does not require the maximum value of grant, the unused ring-fenced funding will be released.
Applicants on the reserve list will be contacted on a first come, first served basis if new funding becomes available.
The decision of the council is final and there is no right of appeal.