Time Is Running Out to Get Your Broadband Voucher

The Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme is a UK Government programme that provides up to £3,000 in grant funding for small and medium sized enterprises to improve their broadband.  The scheme is open to any business or charity in Fife with less than 250 employees and less than £50 million annual turnover. 
 
The scheme is funded through a £40 million challenge fund which is shared between all participating local authorities in the UK.  It is operated by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and administered locally by the City of Edinburgh Council.  BDUK are currently estimating this fund will run out by the end of October – so time is running out to submit applications and secure this grant funding for your business. 

The scheme can pay for the one-off, capital costs of upgrading the broadband for your business, or for installing a brand new connection, provided the new connection provides a minimum of 30 megabits per second (20 megabits per second if it’s a business-grade service).  You are responsible for paying the ongoing costs and the VAT – these cannot be funded through the scheme.

There are 2 ways to apply:

1. Apply directly via an Internet Service Provider:
a. Go to https://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/ and enter the postcode for your business.
b. Select Option 1 for an “off the shelf deal” and select a supplier from the list
c. Apply directly via your chosen supplier’s website

2. Obtain a quote from your preferred Internet Service Provider and apply via the City of Edinburgh Council (local administrator for Fife):
a. Go to https://www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/ and enter the postcode for your business.
b. If you don’t have a quote yet, select “Get a quote” under Option 2 and browse the top suppliers in your area.  Once you have a quote for a new internet service just select “complete an application” and fill out the form.
c. The City of Edinburgh Council will contact you to confirm your Connection Voucher Award.

If your business or charity is based in Fife and you’d like to find out more about the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme, please contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or email success@bgfife.co.uk