BUDDING entrepreneurs across the borough can now apply for grants from the Dudley Innovation Fund.

Dudley Council launched the fund in 2012 when it announced funding of £200,000 available for small enterprises, community groups and voluntary sector organisations to apply for and further creative ideas that will make a real difference to people who use or need adult social care services.

but also have a good chance of developing into innovative care and support services.

There will be three strands to the fund - the first is kick start which offers grants of £500 to £2,000 for people to develop or test their idea or to get them off the ground.

The second element is progression funding which offers grants of up to £10,000 to implement an idea that has either progressed through kick start or where the applicant has been able to demonstrate an excellent idea and strong business plan.

The final element is the innovation bursary; this will look to support innovative individuals in their own right, through ongoing support, to develop creative solutions in social care and support services.

The application form can be download at www.makingitrealindudley.org/dif.

Forms must be returned by Friday March 7.