Ten-day Deadline for New Money Available for Business Grants

Published on: 5 Jun, 2020
Updated on: 5 Jun, 2020

Guildford businesses affected by the Covid-13 pandemic have ten days to apply for new government grants of up to £25,000.

The extra £1.1 million is available for local businesses who did not qualify for earlier government financial support including some supply chain businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality, and businesses in shared spaces that would have qualified for the first scheme if they had their own rating assessment.

Guildford Borough Council is warning businesses to act fast and make their applications promptly. The discretionary grants scheme is now open and will close at 6pm on Monday, 15 June.

Cllr John Redpath

Cllr John Redpath (R4GV, Holy Trinity), lead councillor for Economy said: “We understand that many local businesses are facing great financial difficulty due to the impact of the global pandemic.

“Those who do not qualify for help through existing government schemes can now apply for a grant of up to £25,000. We expect a high volume of applications, so to allow us to process these as quickly as possible they must apply by the 6pm, June 15 deadline.

“They should make sure you answer all the questions on the application form so we can assess your application without delay.”

A council spokesperson added: “We are looking to support businesses that have not been eligible for the Expanded Retail Discount or Small Business Rate Relief Scheme. Businesses will only be eligible for a grant of £5,000, £10,000 or £25,000, depending on their circumstances.”

Applications must be made online and applicants will need to supply supporting evidence of fixed property costs and the financial impact of the virus on your business.

To apply visit: https://www.guildford.gov.uk/article/23827/Business-rate-payers-help.

GBC anticipates that the fund will be oversubscribed and encourages all businesses to continue to check the government website for any future government support as this is being regularly updated.