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<p>We are working hard to support businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK to ensure
they can access finance and wider support to grow and the right conditions are in
place for companies to invest for the long-term.</p><p>Small businesses in Stoke and
Staffordshire can access support through GOV.UK and the Business Support Helpline.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub also acts as the first port of call
for local businesses seeking advice or support. Since its launch in May 2014, the
Stoke and Staffordshire Growth Hub has engaged and supported 4340 businesses and it
has helped 385 individuals to start up a new business.</p><p>Since November 2014,
British Business Bank programmes have facilitated over £4.3m* to 87 businesses in
the constituency of Stafford. This includes 54 Start-up Loans at a value of £415,957.</p><p>Stafford
constituency is also part of the Midlands Engine. A key part of the Government’s strategy
for fuelling growth in the region is the £250m Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF),
which is a result of close collaboration between the British Business Bank, the Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Communities and Local
Government and 10 Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). It aims to transform
the finance landscape for smaller businesses in the Midlands, accelerate economic
growth and promote job creation. The Fund launched its first wave, £120m of Debt and
Small Business funds, at the end of August.</p><p> </p><p><em>*This does not include
ENABLE funding data as this is not available at a constituency level.</em></p>
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