Companies are being invited to share part of a AL2 million funding pot which will create more than 213 jobs in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire by 2020.

The cash a which has been awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council following a successful bid to the European Regional Development Fund a will also see private sector investment of AL4.5 million into the local area.

Now companies in both the city and across the county are being invited to apply for grants from the fund while demonstrating how a successful application will generate new jobs, and lead to possible expansion, better efficiencies or new product development or research.

The money from Europe will be distributed by the Grants for Growth in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Programme (GfG), a council-led scheme which aims to further enhance the areaas economy.

Councillor Janine Bridges, city council cabinet member for economy and education, said: aSecuring this money is wonderful news for the city and comes at a time when this authority is doing all it can to help support and boost economic growth through our Stronger Together vision.

aWe are keen to see companies expand through the purchase of new capital equipment, implement new ideas and processes along with creating more jobs in the private sector.

aStoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are fantastic places to set up and grow a business. We have an exceptionally talented workforce, superb transport links and affordable land and units.

aThis is a city really going places and we know the private sector has faith in Stoke-on-Trent and wants to be a part of its exciting future.a

Small and medium enterprises hoping to land some of the main pot a with available grants ranging from AL10,000 to AL250,000 a must be able to demonstrate how the money will assist their company to grow in the market place and create new private sector jobs.A Eligible businesses have until February 2019 to submit a grant funding application, with projects expected to be completed by June 2019.

If you would like to check if your company is in an eligible sector then please register your interest by emailing the GfG Programme Team on G4G@stoke.gov.uk.

Alternatively, speak to Angela Kidney, Grants for Growth client manager, by calling 01782 231586, or Vanessa Darlington, Enterprise Projects team manager, on 01782 233671. Further information on the Grants for Growth Programme will be available on the Finacial Assistance Page of the website.