Grants help offered to Covid-hit businesses
COUNCILS PREPARING TO HAND OUT GOVERNMENT FUNDING
BUSINESSES hit by the latest Covid19 restrictions are being invited to apply for a fresh round of grants through their council.
The Extra Support Grant scheme offers payments up to £10,000, to help ventures meet costs while trade continues to be hit by customer cancellations and low demand.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said the fund is limited and grants are made on a first come, first served basis.
Lee Cowan, who runs Rusiana cafe, in Regent Street, Hinckley, said the previous grants had been essential for keeping his business afloat, during lockdown.
He said: “It kept the place going and paid my rent each month. I went and got another job to keep me going, but I wouldn’t be here without it.
“If you go 12 months without money coming in, it’s going to end your business.”
All businesses affected by the pandemic are urged to check the criteria to see if they are eligible for a grant.
Those in the hospitality, tourism, events, recreational and creative sectors which have previously received a Covid support grant from the borough council, are being contacted and invited to check if they are eligible to apply.
Council leader Stuart Bray, said: “This discretionary grant scheme will allow us to provide muchneeded support for smaller businesses in the borough, which have not been eligible for other government schemes, to help protect people’s jobs for the future.
“While I welcome this extra funding, I would urge businesses to make their application immediately as it is most likely, there will be more businesses needing support than can be provided by the allocation provided.”
Applications can be made now and the grant scheme closes at midnight on January 31. Payments will be paid before mid-March.
More information is available on the borough council website.