OLDHAM Council is pledging £100,000 to help boost businesses in the borough.

The town hall is offering local firms the chance to apply for funding to help them grow and expand.

The funding pot is part of the council’s aim to help local businesses to thrive in uncertain financial times and to ensure what it describes as one of the town’s biggest assets – its residents – have access to employment and jobs in their local communities.

Under the Oldham Business Grants scheme small, medium and large sized firms in priority sectors such as manufacturing and digital will be able to apply for up to £10,000.

As well as helping the firms financially the successful applicants will have to show they are using the money to create job opportunities.

The fund is not just for businesses already established in the town. Any company thinking of relocating into the borough could also apply.

Council leader Sean Fielding said: “As a council we’re committed to supporting our businesses and we are here to help where we can.

“Since becoming leader of the council last year I’ve spoken to many business owners who have invested their own money about how we can help them, and also how we can work together to help move the borough forward.

“A common theme has come out of these conversations – having the money to expand their businesses which then leads onto the creation of new jobs, something we are serious about through our Get Oldham Working programme.

“The Oldham Business Grants fund shows we’ve listened to what people are saying and taking action to help them out.

“We are doing our bit by providing this funding, please do your bit - buy from local businesses and support our borough’s economy.”

The Oldham Business Grants scheme is part of a package of support that is available.

Businesses are urged to get in touch with the council’s Business Growth and Investment Team to see what support they could benefit from. Contact them on invest@oldham.gov.uk