SMALL, creative businesses in certain areas of Kirklees could benefit from grants of up to £1,000.

Applications are being invited for Innovation Grants, a 50% contribution towards any valid growth or innovative activity.

That could range from developing promotional material and equipment to going to trade fairs or conferences.

To qualify, businesses must employ fewer than 250 people and have been operating less than 18 months or over three years.

They must also be based in one of these areas: Golcar, Colne Valley West, Holme Valley North, Paddock, Lindley, Birkby, Denby Dale, Cleckheaton, Spen Valley, Birstall, Birkenshaw and some parts of Crosland Moor, Newsome and Deighton.

The grants programme, which will run to the end of the year, is being paid for funded by European Union regeneration money as part of the Creative Exchange project, a partnership including Creative Industries Development Agency, Beaumont Street Studios and Kirklees Council's Culture and Leisure Services.

Businesses must register an interest and then will be given advice and help to make the application.

For details phone programme manager Carol Carr on 01484 226384.