ENTERPRISE ST HELENA GRANTS POLICY

Transcription

1 POLICY TITLE: ENTERPRISE ST HELENA GRANTS POLICY FILE NAME: PURPOSE Policies & Procedures Control To encourage the growth of the private sector on St Helena through the development of key sectors To be transparent To have a positive impact on the growth of the economy in the short to medium term To reduce the dependence on imports; To improve the quality of products and services provided on the island for the benefits of residents and visitors; To develop skills within the workforce To encourage economic and environmental sustainability on the island; To support the priorities of St Helena Government and Enterprise St Helena It is not a grant objective to support business projects that substitute for existing activities on the island. It is the applicant s responsibility to demonstrate how their project adds to the overall economic wellbeing of the island. INTRODUCED: July 2012 Current version July 2014 Revised January 2017 AUTHORISED - CHAIR DIRECTOR TYPE OF GRANTS OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE MODIFICATION HISTORY Small To Medium Enterprise (SME) Business Grants: All Sectors Capital Investment Grants (CIG): Tourism & Hospitality Accommodation, Food & Beverage Skills Development Grant (SDG): All Sectors Each case to be allocated to a Co-ordinator and the funding decision for grants under 7,500 to be determined by a member of the Executive Management Team. Grants above 7,500 are subject to Asset & Credit Committee approval. Revised April 2013 to reflect Board direction. Revised July 2014 to reflect re-focus of 3 year Programme Revised January 2017 to reflect ESH Phase 2 priorities Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 1 of January 2017

2 RELATED POLICIES: RELATED PROCEDURES: DEFINITIONS: St Helena Economic Development Fund (SHEDF) Procedure for processing Applications for Financial Assistance Grant A financial assistance mechanism providing funding to an eligible business or person to carry out an approved business development project or activity under the conditions of this policy. Small to Medium Enterprise A small business, privately owned and operated, normally employing less than 10 staff. The business would normally require start-up capital not exceeding 250,000 (this is an inflated figure for St Helena in consideration of the requirement, in most cases, to import from abroad subsequent freight and duty charges). Capital Investment Money invested into a business with the expectation that it will generate income. Business start-up A business in its first two years of live operation, namely from the date of registration with the SHG Income Tax Office, established by a group or individual who has not previously registered a business for tax purposes. Existing Business A business that has been in live operation for over two years, namely from the date of registration with the SHG Income Tax Office. Accommodation For the avoidance of doubt a personal residence is classed as a person s only privately owned home. Improvement to these existing dwellings will be excluded unless it can be shown that the properties, or self-contained units within, will be let only on a short term basis, and therefore primarily focused on tourist accommodation. Self-contained units are those that are separate from personal accommodation in the form of individual rooms. Communal areas solely for guest use will be eligible for improvements. Improvements to existing properties which entail major Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 2 of January 2017

3 structural changes will not be funded. New accommodation projects, solely for third party use, will be funded to the extent that costs being covered are directly attributable to the construction of the property. The property once complete must be let on a short-term basis for at least 6 months of the year. Restaurants Where a restaurant is run from a private residence, it must be shown that this is completely separate to the main living quarters. POLICY STATEMENT: Exclusions 1. Applications will not be eligible after the purchase commitment has taken place. 2. Existing businesses who can afford to replace/maintain or extend their venture without assistance either by making sufficient profits or owning sufficient net assets. 3. No personal residence business improvements, except for self-contained units for tourism accommodation (B&B s) or restaurants. 4. Applicants must demonstrate that any projects involving accommodation in residential premises are exclusively for the use of short term rentals. 5. ESH cannot contribute towards the cost of customs duties. However customs duties can be included in the total cost of the projects and will form part of the 25% contribution payable by the applicant. 6. Grant funding cannot be utilised to cover the cost of: a) Vehicles b) stock to include items for hire c) non-specialist technology (e.g. mobile phones, tablets and laptops) d) construction materials (with the expectation of construction materials required for the enhancement of a working environment) Applicants who are elected Members, Board and Subcommittee members or staff of Enterprise St Helena and their immediate family members and related parties must have their application scrutinised by an external body. In these cases an independent examiner will also review the decision. Business Start-Up or Existing Businesses ESH will approve an annual grant funding allocation based on the funds available from the DfID project and Economic Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 3 of January 2017

4 Development Fund (SHEDF). Subject to funds remaining, and grant eligibility the following types of grant applications will be considered from new or existing SME s: Supported Activities: Business activities must contribute towards the achievement of at least one of the grant objectives. Projects may be business start-ups or expansions of existing businesses. Supported activities include: The preparation of business plans Planning application assistance the preparation of design plans, site plans, location plans and bill of quantities. The preparation of complex proposals (e.g. tenders) for medium to large contracts Support with marketing advice including packaging and branding Establishing business financial and administration systems including payroll and HR policies Website design and implementation Increasing productive capacity e.g. Additional equipment, fixtures and fittings, materials. Items that will be considered would be those that the business can demonstrate: o is vital to the businesses operational needs which will allow them to offer a service/product to the island or further enhance the services/products that they already offer. o is compliant support equipment that will allow the business to comply with legal requirements associated with the type of business activity. o is construction materials that will enhance the working environment. o specialist technology hardware and software Projects that demonstrate innovation (for St Helena) Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 4 of January 2017

5 Projects that support the creation of employment Projects that promote reduced levels of carbon consumption and promote environmental sustainability Further details can be found in the Grant Guidance Notes. Who is eligible Persons with St Helenian Status or legally eligible to work without requiring a permit under the immigration ordinance, and must be resident for tax purposes. Saint Helenians overseas are eligible to apply for financial assistance from Enterprise St Helena, where these applications relate directly to investment projects being proposed that will be undertaken on the island that will be registered locally for tax purposes. Target Sectors will be those defined in the agreed ESH Action Plan, such as: Agriculture Construction Fishing Tourism & Hospitality SHG Divestment Opportunities Green initiatives/recycling opportunities Professional Services Obligation Period: Obligation periods: Grants up to 1000 six months Grants up to 3000 twelve months Grants up to 7500 twenty four months During the obligation period the business will be expected to actively operate for the whole of the obligation period. If, having considered the merits of the business, it is in the opinion of ESH that the obligation is not being honoured then the approved grant funding will become due for repayment in full to the organisation or converted to a loan facility in cases of hardship. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 5 of January 2017

6 Further applications for financial support during an obligation period will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. An obligation period may be waived if on completion of a business plan, the project is shown to be unviable. All payments will be made directly to the third party upon viewing of final documentation by ESH. Obligation periods are waivered for Skills Development grants, however, the application will be obligated to complete the course within the timeframe of the course. Appeals Written appeals can be made to the Asset and Credit Committee within 30 days. An appeal must demonstrate how the application is eligible under the policy criteria Grant Conditions For viable, sustainable business proposals that will strengthen the sector. Proposal must not unreasonably distort fair competition. For the purpose of Development Project grants, such start-ups / expansions should fit with the island s National Strategic Objectives. Must demonstrate a good credit history If the business is sold during the obligation period for the grant approved, it will be repayable to ESH. It is permissible to apply for more than one grant, but no one business may receive more than 40,000 in total grant funding. There can be no repeat grants for the same/similar purpose A member of staff or board cannot take advantage of the Grant Policy based on knowledge gained through their position. All applications made by board, staff or elected members must be approved by the Governor. Immediate family members and related parties will also be subject to this process. Due to the nature of these applications an independent examiner will also review the funding decisions made by ESH and its Board. If a client fails to honour the conditions of the grant during the obligation period, then the grant funding Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 6 of January 2017

7 will be converted to a loan at the same rate of interest as normally applied by ESH. A copy of prior year accounts (for existing businesses) must be submitted with each application. For grants in excess of 7,500 a copy of the previous 3 months bank statements must be provided. Transparency and publicity It is ESH s policy to be transparent in the operation, management and spending of public funds. ESH will be responsible for publicising the availability of funding via the local radio, newspaper and the ESH website and social media. ESH will also make available for public scrutiny the following details pertaining to funding assistance given: Name of beneficiary business and / or individual supported Brief description of project or initiative supported Purpose of funding provided Transition Arrangements Any grant funds which are still being paid out under the previous policies will continue to be covered by those policies. All new grant applications will be considered under this policy. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 7 of January 2017

8 ESH GRANT ASSISTANCE Individual Grant Limit GRANT TYPE ELIGIBILITY GUIDANCE Max % of total eligible cost Max Grant 1 SME BUSINESS GRANTS: ALL SECTORS funded from DFID ESH Project A Development Projects This Grant can assist new or existing businesses with the cost of planning and tendering documentation, website development, administration and financial systems development, marketing, equipment, materials, fixtures & fittings, and specialist technology hardware & software required to provide an enhanced economically sustainable offering. 75% 7,500 2 CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS: TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Accommodation, Food & Beverage funded from Economic Development Fund (supported by SHG) To be reviewed Quarter One 2017 A Employment Transition and Acquisition (New Business Start-ups ONLY) B Interest Relief in conjunction with the Bank of St. Helena C Product & Service Enhancement 3 A Skills Development Grant If you are currently employed but looking to become selfemployed or you are seeking to engage your first member of staff, this grant will assist with meeting the costs associated during the first year of full-time self-employment or contribute to your first employees wages. For deferred loans only. The interest built up on a deferred loan can significantly increase repayments and adversely affect your business in the early years of start-up. This grant can help to cover part of this cost and reduce risk of business failure. This Grant is for new or existing businesses, who would like to significantly improve, expand, or diversify their business offering by trying new product and service ideas. This Grant can help meet the cost of essential new and innovative equipment, materials, fixtures & fittings, and technology hardware & software, that will add value and enhance the business offering in the run up to air access SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANT: ALL SECTORS funded from Economic Development Fund (supported by SHG) This grant will assist with the cost of a training course, local or overseas, that will develop the skills of the business owner and or the employees. 75% 5,000 75% 10,000 75% 15, % 5,000 Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 8 of January 2017

9 Development Project Grants (DfID funded) Grant objectives: Grant Guidance Notes To encourage the growth of the private sector on St Helena; to reduce the dependence on imports; to improve the quality of products and services provided on the island for the benefits of residents and visitors; to develop skills within the workforce to encourage economic and environmental sustainability on the island; to support the priorities of St Helena Government and Enterprise St Helena It is not a grant objective to support business projects that substitute for existing activities on the island. It is the applicant s responsibility to demonstrate how their project adds to the overall economic wellbeing of the island. Supported Activities: Business activities must contribute towards the achievement of at least one of the grant objectives. Projects may be business start-ups or expansions of existing businesses. Supported activities include: The preparation of business plans Planning application assistance the preparation of design plans, site plans, location plans and bill of quantities. The preparation of complex proposals (e.g. tenders) for medium to large contracts Support with marketing advice including packaging and branding Establishing business financial and administration systems including payroll and HR policies Website design and implementation Increasing productive capacity e.g. Additional equipment, fixtures and fittings, materials. o Items that will be considered would be those that the business can demonstrate: is vital to the businesses operational needs which will allow them to offer a service/product to the island or further enhance the services/products that they already offer. is compliant support equipment that will allow the business to comply with legal requirements associated with the type of business activity. is construction materials that will enhance the working environment. specialist technology hardware and software Projects that demonstrate innovation (for St Helena) Projects that support the creation of employment Projects that promote reduced levels of carbon consumption and promote environmental sustainability Enterprise St Helena staff, as part of their terms of employment, must treat all information confidentially. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 9 of January 2017

10 Levels of Support: Grants may be provided up to a maximum of 75% of the project cost or For example, a project value of 4000 may be awarded a grant of 3000, a project of would be capped at The applicant must be able to confirm that they have access to the balance of funding at the start of the project. Grants will be paid on production of invoices from agreed suppliers or independent providers. Payment will be made directly to the independent provider/supplier. The applicant is responsible for ensuring the quality of the goods/services provided and takes full responsibility for the accuracy of the specification. Enterprise St Helena cannot accept responsibility for the goods and /or services provided and reserves the right not to release payment for goods and services that are not of an acceptable standard. It is recognised that there may be a need to have elements of phasing within a life of the project. This will be agreed as part of the application process. ESH will only support funding relevant to the agreed phase. It will not make payments in advance of the agreed phasing. Obligation Period: The applicant is expected to operate the business actively throughout the obligation period. The obligation period will start at the beginning of the operational phase of the project. For example, if a business plan is supported, the obligation period will start once the plan has been implemented and trading commenced. Therefore, grants specifically for business case development will not carry an obligation period; this is in recognition that the business case may identify a risk that the applicant is not able or willing to take on. If equipment has been purchased, the obligation period will start from the earlier of three months after the final payment by Enterprise St Helena or when the equipment is first used productively. It is not acceptable for equipment to be purchased and remain unused for its intended purpose during the obligation period. This will constitute a failure to meet the obligation. Obligation periods: Grants up to 1000 six months Grants up to 3000 twelve months Grants up to 7500 twenty four months In the event of the applicant not operating the business actively throughout the obligation period, the grant will become repayable in full. Repayment by instalment may be allowed in conditions of hardship. The sale of the business during the obligation period will constitute a failure to meet the obligation and grants will be become repayable. (The purchaser of the business may be able to apply for support in their own right to support an expansion of the business.) Reporting requirements: In addition to the obligations, applicants will be required to provide, for a period of at least three years from the start of the obligation period, information about the performance of the business by means of Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 10 of January 2017

11 a questionnaire to be issued by Enterprise St Helena. This will include the numbers of employees; turnover (by value band not specific figures) and business confidence. This information should be readily available to the business. Exclusions: The applicant must not be under an existing obligation to ESH, unless with Board approval in exceptional circumstances. Grants will not be considered for expenditure that has already been committed by the applicant. ESH cannot contribute towards the cost of customs duties. However customs duties can be included in the total cost of the projects and will form part of the 25% contribution payable by the applicant. Applicants must demonstrate that any projects involving accommodation in residential premises are exclusively for the use of short term rentals. Grant funding cannot be utilised to cover the cost of: Vehicles stock to include items for hire non-specialist technology (e.g. mobile phones, tablets and laptops) construction materials (with the expectation of construction materials required for the enhancement of a working environment) Applicants who are elected Members, Board and Sub-committee members or staff of Enterprise St Helena and their immediate family members and related parties must have their application scrutinised by an external body. In these cases an independent examiner will also review the decision. Application Process: Applicants should contact the Enterprise St Helena Business Development Team at an early stage and a case officer will be allocated to work with the applicant to develop the project. Applicants must be willing to discuss the project in confidence with the case officer. The case officer will work with the applicant to assess the type of activity to be supported. The applicant will be responsible for completing the application forms and providing any supporting information requested e.g. prior year accounts in the case of existing businesses. Bank references will be taken at the time of application. On submission of the application form, it will be assessed against published guidelines and a decision will be made by a member of the Enterprise St Helena Executive Management Team who does not sit on the Enterprise St Helena Asset and Credit Committee. Appeals may be made in writing to the Asset and Credit Committee within thirty days of the decision letter. Appeals must demonstrate how the application is eligible under the policy criteria. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 11 of January 2017

12 The decision of the Assets and Credit Committee is final. Eligibility: Businesses must be registered with the Saint Helena Income Tax Office Businesses must hold public liability insurance (level of cover to be agreed) A new business will be one that has been registered with the Income Tax Office for less than two years at the date of application A small business will have no more than 10 staff; and a capital of less than 250,000 Any new business should demonstrate basic financial and economic knowledge of the industry they decide to work in. Sustainable business practices help ensure that public monies and investment are used effectively. Applicants must be: Persons with St Helenian Status or legally eligible to work without requiring a permit under the immigration ordinance, and must be resident for tax purposes. Saint Helenians overseas are eligible to apply for financial assistance from Enterprise St Helena; these applications must relate directly to investment projects that will be undertaken on the island. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they are able to make their contribution to the activity supported at the time of the offer. In the case of a business partnership, at least one partner must hold St Helenian status and the majority interest in the partnership must be St Helenian. Temporary residents to the island, including those in possession of a valid fixed date work permit, are not eligible for support. Transparency and publicity Enterprise St Helena manages public funds and is expected to be transparent in its operations. Commercial sensitivities will always be respected, however applicants are expected to agree to support ESH s efforts to promote the availability of funding through press, radio and social media. The applicant is expected to agree to display a sign (to be supplied) in a prominent place, in support of the funder. ESH will make available to the public the name of the beneficiary; a brief description of the project and the purpose for which the funding has been provided. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 12 of January 2017

13 CAPITAL INVESTMENT GRANTS: TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Accommodation, Food & Beverage (funded from Economic Development Fund (supported by SHG)) To be reviewed Quarter One Employment Transition and Acquisition ESH may offer to fund up to 75% to a limit of 5,000 for new business start-ups and existing business, of the costs incurred to To help Employment Transition (New Business Start-ups only); those currently employed but looking to become self-employed. This grant will assist with taking unpaid leave from your current job to spend time nurturing your new business. 1.2 Interest Relief in conjunction with the Bank of St Helena ESH may offer to fund up to 75% to a limit of 10,000 for new and existing business, of the costs from interest charges incurred on a Bank loan during a loan deferral period that will adversely affect your business, and therefore reducing the risk of business failure 3.5 Product & Service Enhancement ESH may offer to fund up to 75% to a limit of 15,000 for new and existing businesses, of the costs incurred to significantly improve, expand, or diversify their business offering by trying new product and service ideas. to help meet the cost of essential new and innovative equipment, materials, fixtures & fittings, and technology hardware & software, that will add value and enhance the business offering in the run up to air access. To qualify, there must be an established operational business or a new start up with premises secured. These will have to be inspected as part of the evaluation process. Enhancement projects include for example, kitchen upgrade; bar upgrade; en-suite bathroom; building extensions to accommodate additional rooms/bathrooms or other hospitality facilities; health & safety or fire safety upgrades. Grant exclusions apply, please see main policy statement. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: ALL SECTORS (funded from Economic Development Fund (supported by SHG)) 3.6 Skills development ESH may offer to fund up to 100% to a limit of 5,000 for new and existing businesses, of the costs incurred Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 13 of January 2017

14 to develop skills through training courses run either on-island or overseas. Skills development loans of up to 5,000 are also available to assist with the travel and accommodation costs incurred in attending a training course. See ESH SHEDF Policy No Additional Points to Note General: All applications are made using the same Grant Application form, however the type (and range) of Grant Funding applied for must be identified at Section 2, Item 1. All applications are to be accompanied by a Research / Project Brief/ Business Proposal and (where applicable) a copy of the latest Annual Accounts and/or the previous 3 months bank statements. All applications over 7500 will require a full business plan. ESH will continue to offer free advice and help to start up a new business. No grant aid will be provided unless it fits one of the above packages. Young people start ups have a bespoke scheme but it does not preclude the use of these grants under this policy. Total fund available, subject to approvals from DFID and SHG. In cases where there is a clearly defined social benefit to be gained, along with supporting documents to this effect (such as a letter of support from the Safeguarding Directorate) and/or evidence that the party making the application is unable to provide the required contribution, for example being in receipt of Social Welfare Benefits, that the Executive Management Team may apply a waiver to this particular grant funding condition, however only in relation to those grants which fall within the Executive Management Team s delegated authority, namely Project Development Grants up to 7,5000; and Skills Development Grants up to 5,000. Capital Investment Grants: St Helena Economic Development Fund (SHEDF) The St Helena Economic Development Fund (SHEDF) is a separate source of funding to support small business development on St Helena, including the development of entrepreneurial skills. The overall aim is to foster development that will lead to economic growth opportunities. This fund is aimed specifically, but not exclusively, at "high risk" projects that would not normally be funded from mainstream sources of finance. It is a tool to encourage businesses to enhance their existing product or service; businesses to diversify and provide an additional new product or service; or new entrants to start a business. Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 14 of January 2017

15 - ESH clients must approach the Bank of St Helena (BOSH) for loan finance in the first instance. However, it is possible for BOSH to give an indication and recommend to the client/business that ESH Loan or Equity finance could be utilised to part fund the overall project seeking financial support. This would most likely be the case where the bank deems the risks involved in the project too high to finance in full. Please note that if equity finance is requested ESH can only fund a maximum of 49% of the total value sought for the project. - All applications for SHEDF Loan or Equity Funding are processed in accordance with ESH Policy No 14. Grant Application Form - To be revised Quarter One 2017 Grant Application Form This form should be used when applying for all Grants, up to a financial limit of 15, for New Business Start-ups and Existing Businesses. Grants will only be approved for up to 75% of the costs up to Grant threshold, and Financial Information (E.G. Business/Project/Research Briefs, Business Proposals, Annual Accounts and Bank Statements) may be required in some instances. Please also refer to separate Grants guidance notes, or speak to a member of our Business Development Team, to determine eligibility and what supporting documentation may be required. Section 1 Applicants Details 1. Name of Applicant 2. Address Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 15 of January 2017

16 3. Contact Details Tel No. Fax No. Address 4. Business Status: New Business Start-up Existing Business (E.G. Sole Trader, Partnership, Limited Company) Part Time Full Time 5. Brief Description of Business (Including Industry / Sector and Areas of Operation) 6. Previous Applications (made with ESH, former SHDA or Bank of St Helena) Date Purpose Amount Balance O/S Security A/Cs use only Section 2 Grant Details 1. Grant Required: Total Cost SME Business Grants: All Sectors 1A Technical and Legal assistance Marketing Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 16 of January 2017

17 Business Planning/Plans Legal Advice & Assistance Human Resource practice & policy Planning Application requirements Website/IT assistance Accountancy 1B Development Projects Capital Investment Grants: Tourism & Hospitality - Accommodation, Food & Beverage 2A 2B Employment Transition and Acquisition (New Business Start-ups ONLY) Interest Relief in conjunction with the Bank of St. Helena 2C Product & Service Enhancement Skills Development Grant: All Sectors 3A Skills Development Grant Total Cost 2. Purpose of Grant 3. Potential Benefits 4. Timescale Due to Start Due to Complete 5. Funding Total Cost ( ) Contribution ( ) Grant Amount ( ) Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 17 of January 2017

18 THREE TWO ONE No. 13 Maximum Grant Amount = 75% of Total Cost up to Grant Threshold 6. Details of Third Party Involvement Name Address Tel No. Fax No. Name Address Tel No. Fax No. Name Address Tel No. Fax No. 7. Further information applicants may consider of relevance All Grants - Research / Project / Business Brief / Proposal & copy of Latest Annual Accounts enclosed: Capital Investment Grants - Business Proposal/Plan & copies of Bank of St. Helena Account Statements (previous 3 months) enclosed: Declaration I hereby apply for financial assistance from Enterprise St. Helena (ESH) towards the cost of the development project described in this application to the best of my knowledge and belief the information given in this application is correct. I also undertake to notify any changes in the circumstances relating to the application and/or development project. I agree that this application may be processed by the ESH and any previous information given by me or any business in which I was a principal may be made available to ESH. Authority to Disclose Information: I also hereby give consent for the disclosure to ESH by any other funding organisations (such as the Bank of St Helena) of any or all outstanding balances arising from loan commitments and any other information with them that aids joint progression of this application, and for the St. Helena Government to confirm Business Income Tax registration. Signature Date Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 18 of January 2017

19 A/cs Scrutiny Check Comments: Approval Comments: Issue 03 Rev 05 Page 19 of January 2017