SMALL and start-up businesses struggling to find finance could benefit from up to £15,000 of council funding.

The Bees Knees loan scheme was launched by North Lincolnshire Council in 2002 and has provided more than £2-million of funding to hundreds of local businesses.

The scheme provides loans of up to £15,000 to North Lincolnshire businesses that have been trading for less than four years, and cannot raise the full amount of finance needed through bank loans.

Jim Gray, 42, was the one of the first to receive a Bees Knees loan in 2002 and has seen his Kirton-based construction supply firm United Parts go from strength to strength.

He said: "Starting up my own business is the best thing I've ever done and the Bees Knees loan was vital in helping me get my business off the ground.

"The good thing about the loan is that they are generally much easier to get than a bank loan, and they also don't require you to put your house or anything against it.

"After the first loan I got a second one in 2004 which helped me move into a larger premises."

Jim decided to start the business after being made redundant and now exports his products throughout Europe and Africa.

His success has since seen him purchase Kirton firm TA Engineering in 2007.

He said: "We've gone from strength to strength and thankfully managed to weather the storm of the recession.

"If I hadn't received the loan I would have probably had to move myself and my family away from the area.

"I would definitely recommend the loan to people starting out and during these times in particular it is important to keep re-investing in your business to help it grow."

The loans are provided through North Lincolnshire Council's Economic Development team.

The team also provides an electronic newsletter, Lincs 2 Business, and a quarterly magazine called Newsline, which keep businesses up to date with funding information.

Laura Farr, economic development manager at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "We provide a whole range of free and confidential help and advice to support local businesses – whether they're looking to expand or relocate in North Lincolnshire – to new businesses looking for sites and premises.

"We are dedicated to be working alongside potential investors, businesses and partner organisations including Business Link Yorkshire and Jobcentre Plus to help businesses prosper locally.

"The team supports the North Lincolnshire Business Networking partnership, which is held in Scunthorpe on the last Thursday of every month and provides the perfect opportunity for businesses to meet new contacts and build lasting relationships."

The team seeks to provide a single point of access for North Lincolnshire businesses of all sizes requiring support, advice or funding.

Neil Poole, chairman of the North Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has witnessed the positive impact of the Bees Knees scheme first-hand.

He said: "The Bees Knees funding is very important for new companies with limited finances.

"Unfortunately it does take time and a lot of security to build a track record with the high street banks.

"In providing an alternative to the banks, the Bees Knees funding does provide a valuable service to small businesses in North Lincolnshire."

To contact North Lincolnshire's Economic Development team call 01724 297330.

Alternatively you can email businessinfo@northlincs.gov.uk, or complete an online enquiry form on our website at www.northlincs.gov.uk.