FUNDING is being offered by a district council to help new companies on the road to success.

Up to £2,500 can be offered to start up companies on an interest free basis. It must be paid back within a year, but there are no repayments for the first three months.

Loans can be used for anything from providing and adapting buildings to buying machinery and marketing, which are some of the basics needed when starting a business.

The micro load scheme was set up by the Hambleton Strategic Partnership (HSP) and is administered by Hambleton District Council, with £7,500 from North Yorkshire County Council and Yorkshire Forward.

Companies wanting to apply must work with Business Support and Development in Bedale to complete and submit a short application form, which is then submitted to the HSP for approval.

All applicants are told of the decision within five working days of the form being submitted to the district council.

To apply, call Hambleton's economic development section on 01609-767050.