BUSINESSES have been given a boost by a major community project.

Wilson’s Bookkeeping, Love our Shops UK, A Mere Cycle, Time and Fitness For You and COAP CIC are the first businesses to receive small grants from Three Parishes Big Local as part of its Three Parishes Means Business project.

The grants programme encourages businesses and social enterprises in St Martins, Gobowen and Weston Rhyn to apply for a grant of up to £500 towards anything that could help their business.

New social enterprise COAP CIC aims to provide fun activities within the community.

Co-founder, Jennifer Heard said: “The grant we received has enabled us to have a website built. This isn't something we had the skills to do, so would have taken our time to learn those skills as well as build the website. "By receiving the grant we could spend our time developing the core purposes of the business and concentrate on building the business itself.”

“Grants are just one of the ways that we are using our Big Lottery funding to help local business and enterprise” said Maggie Rowlands, from Three Parishes Big Local, said: “We’re also providing free training courses, opportunities for free one-to-one advice sessions with a business mentor, co-working spaces and are exploring a free business directory.”

Businesses and social enterprises based in Weston Rhyn, St Martins or Gobowen can contact Bridget Laraway, Three Parishes Means Business co-ordinator, on 01691 656882 or email b.laraway@qube-oca.org.uk