Last opportunity for businesses to apply for Multiply grant funding

Wiltshire Council is reminding businesses in the county that there is still time to apply for Multiply grant funding.

Multiply is a government-funded programme to help adults improve their numeracy skills. The funding is aimed at adults (aged 19 and over) who do not currently have Level 2/GCSE maths at grade 4 (previously known as grade C).

Funding of up to £10,000 is available for small businesses or organisations who would not normally have the appropriate funds to develop their own initiatives to help upskill their staff and roll out projects.

Businesses can use the grant funding to support employees to become more effective in their roles by improving maths skills. Bite-sized courses or interventions will be directly targeted to support individuals. Businesses that invest in employees by developing numeracy skills, could potentially see increased productivity and profits plus improved employee retention. 

Funding could also be used to target individuals and communities who have not traditionally engaged with maths skills often because of previous poor experience, lack of confidence, or lack of opportunity.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, said, Good numeracy skills could unlock new job opportunities and potentially higher wages for employees. New skills and understanding can also provide benefits at home, helping with budgeting and day-to-day tasks.

As part of our business plan, we have committed to ensuring that Wiltshire residents have the right skills to prosper and to support in improving confidence and knowledge. We have had a number of applications already but we want to encourage businesses to take advantage of this opportunity, fill in an application at  and invest in their workforces before Sunday 18 December.

Officers from the council's Employment and Skills team are also working with local organisations and businesses such as Wiltshire College and Wiltshire Citizens Advice to develop additional Multiply courses across the county.

Further information on the Multiply scheme and courses offered, plus guidance for business applications is found www.wiltshire.gov.uk/multiply-grant-scheme

Applications for a Wiltshire Council business Multiply grant must be submitted by 5pm on Sunday 18 December via the online application form. Applications will then be reviewed and assessed by a panel with grants being paid from late December onwards.