A list of businesses in Sefton has been released which can bid for a share of £336,185 in grant funding to help those whose takings have been hit by the Covid-19 Omicron wave and the restrictions imposed.
Small or Micro businesses in Southport, Formby, Bootle and elsewhere in the borough in the Hospitality, Leisure and Accommodation sectors can apply for the latest round of the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant payments (ARG3).
Applications open from 10am this Tuesday (25th January).
ARG3 is designed to support businesses severely impacted by the rise of the Omicron variant which are not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG).
Sefton Council has been allocated £336,185, which will be allocated on a first come first served basis to eligible businesses most in need.
The following businesses will be eligible. This is based on the government guidance as part of the scheme:
- Accommodation (not Airbnb)
- Breweries
- Caterers and catering suppliers/equipment
- English language schools
- Entertainment industries e.g., self-employed musicians, promoters, artist agents/management companies
- Events industries e.g., marquee, sound & lighting, security company, event entertainment agency, event planner/management, event photographer, event/hospitality staffing agency
- Freelance and mobile businesses, e.g., caterers, events, hair, beauty
- Gyms
- Hospitality businesses
- Leisure businesses
- Nightclubs
- Personal care
- The travel and tourism sector e.g., group travel, travel agents and tour operators/facilitators, coach operators, limousine hire
- Theatres
- Wedding related businesses
- Wholesalers
- Those in the supply chains of the Hospitality and Leisure sectors
Under the Companies Act 2006, small businesses are defined as meeting at least two of the following criteria, a turn-over of not more than £10.2 million, a balance sheet total not greater than £5.1 million or a maximum of 50 employees.
The two or more criteria Micro businesses must meet are a turnover, not more than £632,000, a balance sheet not above £316,000 or a staff headcount exceeding 10.
Home-based businesses will receive up to £1,000 and those in a commercial property, up to £3,000.
Information on how to apply and the link to make an application is at www.sefton.gov.uk/business/business-rates/covid-19-business-support-for-202021-202122
Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 7th February.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:
“We have been allocated £336,185 for this round of Government funding and we know through evidence and our ongoing conversations with Sefton businesses this simply isn’t enough. We expect demand to outstrip this amount so I would encourage eligible small and micro businesses across the Borough to apply as soon as possible.”
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services said:
“Because of the limited time and funds available, the Council will be assessing applications in the order in which they are received, but any that do not have the required information or evidence will be rejected so I would advise applicants to read the information carefully.”
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