Over 330 businesses have applied to Sefton Council for money from the Discretionary Business Grant Fund.
The fund was set up by the Government to help firms which have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
Firms in Southport and across Sefton now have until this Friday (17 July) to apply for the funding and are being encouraged to send in any applications urgently.
This is a small grants fund, part of the wider Government support response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Businesses can apply online at https://www.sefton.gov.uk/business/business-rates/covid-19-business-support-for-202021.aspx
The aim of the fund is to support struggling local businesses which have fixed property costs that can be evidenced by a commercial lease, commercial rent or commercial mortgage agreement or other commercial property related costs such as business insurance.
The individual grant levels have now been increased to provide further support to Sefton businesses.
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The £2.2million fund has already received over 330 applications in Sefton and businesses have up until the end of this week (17 July) to apply.
The grant funding has a Government guided eligibility criterion for businesses to check if they are eligible before they apply. Grants from £3,500 to £25,000 are available.
The Government has asked local authorities such as Sefton to give priority to groups of small businesses that were unable to access the Small Business Grant and Retail, Leisure and Hospitality grant schemes. These include charities in receipt of charity rate relief, B&Bs which pay Council Tax, businesses in shared workspaces and regular market traders. Other small businesses, not in these highlighted groups, will also be welcome to apply where eligibility is met.
To support the grant process, rigorous checks are being undertaken to ensure businesses meet the eligibility criteria. A systematic assessment method has been employed to determine need and funding for the new grant levels. Applicants are being asked to ensure they provide all the required supporting information to avoid unnecessary delays with approval.
The team administering the grants is unable to take calls and all enquiries should be emailed to [email protected]
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