BUSINESSES across Cumbria are being invited to apply for a cash boost - if they meet one simple qualifying criteria.

Grants of up to £9,000 in match funding are available to companies who want to fund activities that will help them sell their products abroad.

And the application process is free and simple, with just an email required to set the ball rolling and establish if you are eligible.

The grants are being offered via Export Cumbria, an initiative being run by the government’s Department for International Trade (DIT).

Sarah Peak, the DIT’s Export Manager for Cumbria, said: “We are already working with a number of fantastic businesses, large and small, and supporting them with their export activity.

“The available grants can be used for a variety of purposes; everything from attending an international trade show and having a stand to the creation of marketing material aimed at overseas markets.”

Cumbrian businesses have an enviable record when it comes to selling their goods or services overseas.

Export is often believed to involve just physical products. Whilst this is true in many cases, companies offering services, or those working in the visitor economy and tourism sectors can also be exporters.

Anna-Maria Dunne, Sales and Marketing Manager for the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Windermere, spoke about how the venue has benefited from funding.

She said: “It is important for us to increase our international business over the coming years.

“DIT funding is enabling us to support our marketing activities in the USA and without this, it would not be possible to generate new business.

“I’d strongly recommend that anyone in business looking to branch out to the international markets takes up this service.”

Marion Wright, Director of TPS Publishing based in Corney added: “The support provided by our advisors from DIT, has been excellent.

“Applying is not time-consuming and involves providing usual business information. TPS was able to overcome a barrier to the USA market; we are excited to see growth in revenues and increase in our customer database by providing our Spanish products this year.”

For free help and advice on grants of up to £9k from the Internationalisation Fund, email sarah.peak@tradenw.org