Over 100 organisations in Cardiff have benefited from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
The scheme was put in place in April 2022 as replacement funding to the European Structural and Investment Programme after the UK left the European Union.
The largest pot of money was allocated to an ‘open call ‘scheme with £5m available, giving community groups, businesses, enterprises and partnerships across the city the opportunity to bid for grant funding.
A report going to Cardiff Council's Cabinet on 17 October gives a snapshot of the progress made since the scheme started.
The projects supported by the fund were split into three categories, Communities & Place, Supporting Local Business and People & Skills.
Communities and Place - small grants for community groups to enhance facilities, including repairs, renovations, and energy efficiency improvements.
1,000 local events and activities have been held
40 amenities and facilities have been improved
1,500 sq metres of public space has been created or improved.
Supporting Local Business - Funding has been used to respond to demand for events across the city.
200 enterprises have received non-financial support
50 businesses received grant funding
50 potential entrepreneurs were provided with assistance
£1.5m of investment into the local economy and 100 jobs safeguarded
People & skills - Provides employment and skills package for citizens of Cardiff supporting people to secure and progress in employment through mentoring, access to training, and removal of barriers.
4,000 socially excluded people given access to support
1,000 people provided with access to key worker support services
Thousands of people given access to a range of skills and training support
400 people gained a new qualification
1,000 people engaged with life skills support following interventions
1,000 people engaged in job search support
400 people employed following the support given
2,900 people have taken part in courses to improve their maths skills
Leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas said: "The successful projects that have received funding so far will make a positive impact on Cardiff's local economy, provide training and support for young people, and improve community wellbeing in parts of the city.
"We know that a lot more is due to be delivered this year from schemes that have been successful in their funding bids for the current financial year. What has been important with this scheme is getting money out into our communities as soon as we have been able to do so.
"We still don't know what the funding arrangements are for next year - or indeed if there are any - but this funding is critical to maintain some of the work undertaken by the Council and third sector organisations, so it is vital for the people and businesses in Cardiff".
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