The latest grant scheme is being launched today (Thursday 26 November) and will provide a lifeline to local businesses struggling due to the impact of COVID-19. This includes those that have remained open.

Funding will be distributed in three streams. Each is distinct and together form a comprehensive package of support to a variety of businesses and the local business community in general.

Stream 1 is open to applications from local businesses:

• who are not registered for business rates and have been mandated to close
• which have remained open but are severely impacted by the closure of other businesses

Applications for this funding should be made via an online form on the BCP Ccouncil’s website. Grants will be paid to businesses for each 28-day period of national or tier 3 local restrictions.

The grant amounts will vary from £934 to £3,000 depending on the level of fixed business costs or rateable value, and whether the business was mandated to close or remained open but was significantly impacted by closures.

Stream 2 is currently being developed and will be used to provide grants directly to businesses in sectors identified to be most in need and will likely cover aviation, events industry, nightclubs, cultural venues, market traders and home-based businesses.

The third stream will be used to fund future initiatives to support businesses over the longer term.

Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Regeneration and Economy, Councillor Philip Broadhead, said, “We’ve been carefully considering what we can do to help businesses that may not have been eligible for other grant schemes and those that remain fundamental to the success of our local economy. In addition to benefitting non-rate payers and smaller businesses, our approach will provide lifeline support to nightclubs, entertainment venues, events and hospitality businesses who have also been impacted.

“I have great confidence in the continued success of our dynamic, hardworking and resilient business community. Together, we can get through this. In the meantime, we have your back, and we’ll do everything we can to support you during the challenging times ahead.’’

For more information and to apply, visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ARGbusiness