Businesses in Harborough are being urged to bid for a slice of a new £750,000 coronavirus boost pot

Businesses in Harborough are being implored to bid for a slice of a new £750,000 coronavirus boost pot.

The fund is being launched by Leicestershire County Council to help businesses get back on their feet.

The Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund will target struggling small businesses battling to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Entrepreneurs can apply for grants between £2,000 and £10,000.

Businesses can use the money to develop online selling and diversify into new product areas as they fight to survive.

The initiative is run by the council and funded through money secured from the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool.

Cllr Nick Rushton, who leads the county council, said: “Leicestershire’s business owners, entrepreneurs and local highstreets are having a really tough time.

“And we’re committed to helping them get back on their feet in any way we can, so that the economy of Leicestershire can continue to grow and prosper.”

He added: “I encourage all county businesses to look into whether this fund could benefit them.

“The county council is on the side of businesses and we are working hard to support them now and for their ongoing success and development.”

Grants are open to businesses with 50 employees or less.

For the full information and how to apply visit: www.oakleaves.org.uk/leicestershire-business-recovery-fund

Neil McGhee, chair of the Business Gateway Growth Hub Board, said: “It is great to see this additional support for local businesses that have struggled to access the grant support already available.

“The Business Gateway Growth Hub has taken many enquiries from businesses that are looking for government support and are seeking help to survive.”

He added: “We are pleased to add this grant funding to the other finance and business support that we list on our website and would encourage eligible businesses to apply as soon as they can.”

All small businesses from every sector are encouraged to apply - including those from the tourism, retail, agriculture, and creative sector.

Businesses who apply will initially talk through their business plans with an adviser who will be able to assist with their application.

There is currently no deadline for applications.

But businesses should apply as soon as possible as funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis.