Deeside community groups urged to apply for RBS Skills and Opportunities Funding

Groups in Alyn and Deeside are being urged to consider applying for a community fund that could help to set up a business or provide people with valuable financial education.

The RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund has allocated £2.5 million to help communities to progress, and is available to charities, social enterprises, community groups, state-funded schools and colleges.

The two main priorities for Wales are helping people to investigate self-employment and start their own businesses, and to help people manage their finances more carefully.

Grants of up to £35,000 are available, and the money is being distributed nationwide in two rounds. Applications for the second round are now open.

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said:

“This is a great opportunity for people to move forward.
“It could help people to develop new skills and get new projects or businesses going. I believe strongly in helping our communities to flourish, and I urge people to look into this opportunity.”

So far, £1.25 million of funding has been awarded to people in the UK and Ireland.
The Fund is being split into seven different regions, with a Board Chair for each.

Anyone thinking of applying should read the application criteria carefully, as applications that do not meet them may be rejected.

Even if a project is not shortlisted, other helpful skills and expertise may be offered.
All information, including application criteria, can be found HERE

Applications for round 2 of the Skills and Opportunities Fund are open from midday 19th August until midday 9th September 2016.