As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses across the UK deepens, the ability to signpost available funding to businesses in need has never been more urgent.

To meet this need, GRANTfinder – the UK’s leading provider of funding information to the business, voluntary and public sector – has announced that it is offering all councils six months’ free access to a new online funding portal, and Think Sandwell, Sandwell Council, is pleased to be part of this.

Based on the highly successful Open4Business solution, which already allows many local authorities across the UK to support local businesses in their areas to identify funding to succeed and grow, the new portal offers a simple way for councils to promote available funding. The portal is updated regularly with new local, regional and national funding announcements and can be easily searched by businesses on the basis of their industry, region and business size. The portal then provides information on how to apply for funding and contact funders directly.

The Sandwell portal is now live and ready for businesses to access.

John McLaren, Head of Business at GRANTfinder, says, “GRANTfinder will be supporting the recovery response to COVID-19 across the UK at a time of real need. In such a fast-moving situation the Open4Business portal is a streamlined way for councils to promote funding support to every business in their local area which is struggling.”

All you need to do to access the portal is register on the open4business portal – i t is quick and easy to register and search but get in touch if you need further information.

Here at Think Sandwell we regularly update our dedicated pages with advice and support available to Sandwell’s businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.