20 October 2020

Awesome Merchandise launches grant scheme

Awesome Merchandise has launched a £15,000 grant scheme to help support people in the creative industries who've been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Applications for the scheme went live on the 19 October.It involves three grants of £5,000 targeted at music, creatives, and business along with mentoring and advice for a 12 month period.

The Leeds-based printing company specialises in producing merchandise and printed collateral for a range of clients including crafting, independent makers, and bands. It also marked its 15th anniversary this year.

Founder Luke Hodson said that 2020 had been an extremely tough year for everyone "in particular the creative industries and small businesses".

"We wanted to show our support for these communities, not only financially but by sharing our knowledge and expertise, to help their business grow," he said."At Awesome Merchandise, a large proportion of our customer base are independent businesses, many of which are in the creative industries. We have great relationships with our customers and that's why, in our 15th year, we chose to launch this grant scheme to support them."

The firm makes a wide range of branded products, including t-shirts and other garments, stickers, badges, posters and stationery.

Marketing manager Sean Mort said that he had been spurred into selling his own designs by the financial crisis of 2008, and that the effects of Covid-19 could result in others being in a similar situation."Nobody has been unaffected by this pandemic, but there may be an opportunity to diversify and follow your passion," he said.
"We are offering our skillset to help them. We can guide people and show them what works, and share some top tips."

The closing date for applications is 20 November.

For more details and to apply, visit  https://www.awesomemerchandise.com/15k-grant