Many small businesses across the UK can now obtain a free grant to upgrade their business to a faster broadband connection as part of the wider government rollout of superfast broadband.

The Broadband Connection Vouchers scheme will enable business owners across 22 cities to apply for a grant of up to £3,000, which will cover the capital and equipment costs of upgrading their connection.

Benefits small businesses could see as a result of a faster connection include:

• Growing and accessing new markets through better communication with customers and suppliers

• Increasing security through fast secure back-up of data

• Increasing productivity and improving customer service through faster upload and download speeds

The scheme remains open for applications until 31 March 2015. Visit the Connection Vouchers website for more information.