BUSINESSES in Crewe are being urged to join a networking group and win a grant worth £894.

The membership grants are available to those who have started a new business in 2020 and sign up to BNI, a business networking organisation.

BNI is making 10 membership grants to help out during tough times and has 10 groups including those in Crewe and Nantwich as well as Holmes Chapel and Macclesfield.

It says the membership grants (one per local group) are available to new members who have started a business in 2020 and will give them a one-year BNI membership free of charge.

Members are taught how to attract and win more new business through word of mouth referrals from fellow group members. Since January members in the Cheshire East area have supported each other and passed over £7,363,641 of business.

Executive director of BNI Cheshire East, Dave Skeels, said: "2020 has been a challenging year and will continue to be so, particularly in certain sectors.

"We are seeing many people who have been made redundant, or whose businesses are no longer viable, start a new business and it is these people we are looking to support.

"Membership is a great way for them to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey."

One grant is awarded in each of the 10 local groups with membership committees having the final say on the awards.

Dave added: "BNI groups meet weekly and provide a hugely supportive network for any business. I would urge anyone who has set up a business this year to get in touch with their local chapter."

For more information go here. or email [email protected] for more details.