GRANTS OF up to £50,000 are being offered to entrepreneurs for developing ideas that will increase the use of UK grain.

The Home Grown Cereals Authority has just launched the 2005 round of applications for its annual awards, which have seen £2.7m handed out in the past nine years.

As usual, the award is open to the development, production and marketing of food and non-food products alike, as long as wheat, barley, oats or oilseeds are used.

This year, the scheme has the backing of Karan Bilimoria, the businessman behind the successful Cobra beer brand.

He said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, and the HGCA Enterprise Awards scheme is a great idea as it offers financial support to businesses.

“Whether you are just starting up and have a good idea for a new product, or are seeking new markets for an existing product, this scheme can help.

“I would urge companies to visit the website or contact HGCA today.”

Awards will only be made where match funding has been secured.

Applications can be made online at www.hgca.com/enterprise or are available by calling 0207 520 3975. The deadline for entries is the end of June.GRANTS OF up to £50,000 are being offered to entrepreneurs for developing ideas that will increase the use of UK grain.

The Home Grown Cereals Authority has just launched the 2005 round of applications for its annual awards, which have seen £2.7m handed out in the past nine years.

As usual, the award is open to the development, production and marketing of food and non-food products alike, as long as wheat, barley, oats or oilseeds are used.

This year, the scheme has the backing of Karan Bilimoria, the businessman behind the successful Cobra beer brand.

He said: “Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, and the HGCA Enterprise Awards scheme is a great idea as it offers financial support to businesses.

“Whether you are just starting up and have a good idea for a new product, or are seeking new markets for an existing product, this scheme can help.

“I would urge companies to visit the website or contact HGCA today.”

Awards will only be made where match funding has been secured.

Applications can be made online at www.hgca.com/enterprise or are available by calling 0207 520 3975. The deadline for entries is the end of June.