More grants launched to help businesses affected by lockdown

The Discretionary Grants Scheme for small businesses and charities, which don’t pay non-domestic rates (NNDR), is open to businesses which were required to close as part of the second national lockdown between 5 November and 2 December 2020.

The eight eligibility categories are as follows:

• Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces
• Regular market traders with ongoing property costs
• Bed & Breakfasts which pay council tax
• Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief
• Independent Tourism businesses
• Independent Food and Drink businesses
• Creative Industry businesses
• Independent Agriculture businesses

To apply, please go to www.grantapproval.co.uk then select:

• Grants for Businesses
• Register now
• Local Schemes
• Pick the sector that best represents your business

The scheme provides fixed grants of £1,122 for eligible businesses. Whilst a specific closing date has not been set for applications, in order to guarantee that grants are paid before Christmas, businesses are requested to apply by 16 December 2020. Any applications received after this date will be processed in the New Year.

In addition to these Discretionary Grants, there is also the Grants for Closed Businesses scheme for businesses, which pay non-domestic rates (NNDR), and which were required to close as part of the lockdown. The scheme provides fixed grants of £1,344, £2,000 or £3,000, dependent on the rateable value of the property – you can look up the rateable value of your business: www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates   All applications must be made online.

To apply, please go to: https://www.grantapproval.co.uk/ then select:

• Grants for Businesses
• Register now
• National Schemes

To find out more about all the business grants currently available for businesses affected by lockdown visit www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus and click on the ‘Grant for businesses temporarily close’ tab.