Following recent Government announcements relating to the support of General Small Business and also the Leisure, Hospitality & Retail Business, a number of our clients have made further enquiries as to their eligibility for the Scheme.
- A Recap
- Small businesses, as well as companies in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, have the opportunity to apply for a grant to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic;
- The Small Business Grants Fund makes £10,000 available per eligible business who are currently in receipt of small business rates relief.
- Payments will be made by Councils from government funding to support a business’s cash flow.
- The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant scheme provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property:
- For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000, they will receive a grant of £10,000.
- For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000, they will receive a grant of £25,000.
- Businesses will only be allowed to claim for one grant and must also be aware of State Aid rules in applying.
- So What Do I Need To Do?
- Contrary to what was originally announced by Government, Councils are now stating that a simple form must be submitted by relevant businesses for the grant which applies to them, to ensure the council meets government requirements;
- Southend Borough Council have recently released their application process, Business Rates Grants 2020-2021
- If your business is registered in another Council jurisdiction then you should look on your local Council website for details of how to apply