The good news for businesses and not-for-profit organisations is that there is more funding available for eligible applicants and the council is urging them check their eligibility now.
The grant fund is open to businesses and organisations that:
- were already operating when the Coronavirus pandemic was officially declared on 11 March
- intend to keep trading
- have not been able to access previous Coronavirus-related government grant funding schemes, such as the small business grant or retail, hospitality and leisure grant (though receipt of the furloughing funding and self-employed income support scheme are not a bar to eligibility).
Local grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available to those who can meet the council’s eligibility criteria, which is detailed, along with an application form, here.
The key priority groups are charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as small and micro businesses paying rent for shared premises where the landlord is paying business rates. Also eligible are certain B&Bs and market and street traders.
Grants will continue to be made on a first come, first served basis, although care will be taken to ensure all applicant categories receive a reasonable share of the overall grant funding available.
Cllr Richard Robertson, Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources, said: “I know how tough it has been for businesses and organisations of all types and sizes since the Coronvirus crisis hit and we are working hard to get funding and other support to them as quickly as possible.
“I am pleased that these latest grants are already making a difference to many local small businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations that play such an important part in the local economy and community life.
“However, we know there are other local small businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations who haven’t already applied. We want to ensure that they are aware of the possibility of financial help and make a claim.
“The government has made clear that the funding available for this scheme (around £1.1 million in total) is finite. When it is gone, there won’t be any more available.”