KNOWSLEY council is offering grants to support new businesses and entrepreneurs in the borough.

Two new grants will offer funding of £200 up to £1,800 under the “Fresh Start” initiative to help people setting up their own business, while a “Small Business Growth Grant”, ranging from £2,000 to £10,000, is aimed at businesses who have been trading for more than two years and are now in a position to invest more or employ more people.

The council said priority will be given to businesses that show clear potential for growth in the Fresh Start category.

Applications are encouraged from groups felt to be under-represented in business, such as women, the over-50s and the disabled.

The Small Growth scheme is aimed at firms currently employing fewer than 10 staff.

Funds available through the scheme are available to cover up to half the expense incurred by firms’ growth proposals.

Nick Kavanagh, Knowsley’s executive director for regeneration, economy and skills, said: “Small businesses are crucial to a prosperous and diverse economy in Knowsley.

“We want to encourage our local entrepreneurs and to make setting up in business a realistic choice for people in the borough.”