Businesses battling the Covid-19 pandemic across Harborough urged to apply for new emergency cash aid

Businesses battling the Covid-19 pandemic across Harborough are being urged to apply to the district council for new emergency cash aid.

The Government has launched the Local Authority Discretionary Grants scheme.

It is handing out money to support struggling businesses not eligible through the previous Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure schemes.

The new blueprint was launched on Wednesday June 3 and the online application process will be open until Wednesday June 17.

The council will assess all applications and allocate grants, from a fixed Government funding pot, to priority businesses that meet prescribed criteria.

Cllr Phil King, leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We are delighted that we are able to provide more local businesses with financial support at this challenging time.

“This scheme builds on the Government funding, totalling over £20 million, which we have already helped allocate to businesses across the district.”

He added: “The positive feedback we’ve had makes it clear what this financial help means.

“I encourage any business which has not received support in the previous rounds to apply online if they meet criteria.”

The initiative is aimed at four national and four local priority areas.

The four national priority areas are:

· Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces

· Regular market traders with fixed building costs

· Bed and breakfasts which pay Council Tax

· Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relied (with a rateable value less than £15,000).

The four local priority areas are:

· Seasonal tourism operatives

· Independent food and drink producers

· Independent creative industries

· Independent agricultural industries.

“Businesses will need to meet strict eligibility criteria,” said the council.

The size of business, property costs, impact of Covid-19, receipt of other local or national government support, trading period, businesses in administration and state aid will all play a part.

Self-employed businesses can apply if they have not previously received funding through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

There is no appeals process and no late applications will be accepted, businesses are being warned.

Apply online and find out more at www.harborough.gov.uk/covid19-discretionary-grants