More than 300 Omicron-hit businesses seeking support

MORE than 300 businesses in Charnwood have applied for a new grant which aims to help hospitality and leisure firms impacted by Omicron.

Charnwood Borough Council is administering the government funding and is urging eligible businesses to come forward and take up the offer.

A new, earlier deadline has been set for applications, which need to be in by February 14.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant aims to support hospitality, leisure, and accommodation businesses in the borough which are feeling the effects of the Omicron variant.

The scheme will provide eligible businesses with a one-off grant of up to £6,000. Grants are available to businesses that have a business rates account as of Thursday, December 30, 2021.

Full eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the council’s website at www. charnwood. gov. uk/ omicron_grant

Councillor Shona Rattray, lead member for business support, said: “We really want eligible businesses to come forward and apply for this grant as soon as possible.

“We know how vital this funding will be for businesses and we are working incredibly hard to assess and process all applications in line with government guidance as quickly as possible.

“If your business operates in the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors and has been impacted by the Omicron variant then please don’t delay. Check if you’re eligible and get your application to us as soon as possible.”

So far more than £200,000 has been awarded to businesses eligible for the scheme.

The council set its new deadline of February 14 following an update from the government.

In addition, more than £315,000 has recently been paid out to 143 businesses through the Local Discretionary Grant Scheme.

The council has distributed a total of more than £55 million of government funding since the start of the pandemic to businesses across Charnwood.

For more information on the business grant schemes, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness

To stay up to date about business news including grant schemes involving Charnwood Borough Council, sign up to email alerts at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/email_alerts

Charnwood Borough Council has distributed more than £55 million of government funding since the start of the pandemic