New grants launched to support struggling businesses in Harborough affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

New grants are being launched to support struggling businesses in Harborough affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Discretionary Grants Scheme for small businesses and charities which don’t pay non-domestic rates (NNDR) is open to businesses forced to close in the national lockdown from Thursday November 5 to Wednesday December 2.

The eight eligibility categories are:

- 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, 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.

A specific closing date has not been set for applications.

But to guarantee cash is paid out before Christmas, businesses are being asked to apply by Wednesday December 16.

Any applications received after this date will be processed in the New Year.

There is also the Grants for Closed Businesses scheme for businesses which pay non-domestic rates (NNDR) and had to shut.

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 here - www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

All applications must be made online.

To apply, 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.