Tyre giant Michelin has pledged to support North Staffordshire companies which are looking to grow and create new jobs.
The company, based in Campbell Road, Stoke, wants to help companies meet their expansion and employment ambitions through its Michelin Development business loan scheme.
Now in its 18th year, Michelin Development offers small and medium-sized enterprises based in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands access to unsecured, subsidised loans, if they have the potential to create high-quality, sustainable jobs.
The initiative offers funding of up to £50,000 for job-creating projects to businesses which employ up to 250 people and are involved in manufacturing, engineering or business and business services. The loans can usually be used to attract additional funding from other sources.
Carol Hopkins, of Michelin Development in the UK, said: "Over the years we've supported a number of businesses looking to grow.
"We are committed to supporting the economy in the local area in and around our Stoke-on-Trent site, and to see businesses in the region thrive.
"These are challenging times, but there are new and existing companies who are primed for growth and that's where we can offer extra support that can help them to reach their potential.
"We'd encourage entrepreneurs and high-growth companies who want to invest in the future and create local jobs to get in touch and see if they are eligible for the programme."
Michelin Development is backed by a steering committee which includes Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, NatWest Bank, Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre and Stoke-on-Trent City Council Economic Development Unit.
Businesses applying for financial support should have no outstanding creditors or repayment arrears and cannot use Michelin Development funding to pay off other loans.
Local firms which have benefitted in the past include Mounsey Chartered Surveyors, Moorland Contract Cleaning, A2B Signs and Graphics and Planterra.
More details can be found on the Michelin Development website.
