A £24,000 scheme has been launched to provide help to local businesses in Carlisle during the Covid-19 global pandemic. The Buy Local Carlisle project uses government funding allocated to Carlisle City Council through the Reopening High Streets Safety European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Working with local businesswoman, Michelle Masters to deliver the scheme, it will continue the ongoing free support made available through the established Small Business Support Group Carlisle on Facebook. Set up by Michelle in May last year, the Facebook group already has over 3,700 members and promotes business to business support. The funding will also be used to provide business mentoring support and the development of a local business directory.