New applicants in Dorset are invited to apply for the latest round of Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG).

ARG Phase 2, which opened on 12 February, is for businesses which haven’t previously applied for and received the ARG relating to the November 2020 lockdown.

Those businesses which received the November lockdown payment are automatically receiving payment to cover the first six weeks from the start of the January national lockdown.

The criteria for the ARG Phase 2 has also been widened to include businesses eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Cllr Tony Ferrari, portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said, “If you think your business qualifies for the Additional Restrictions Grant and you haven’t previously received payment, please apply. We are committed to supporting local businesses and our local economy, and our team is working hard to make sure funding reaches you as quickly as possible.

“We encourage those affected by the current lockdown to check their eligibility and apply for the funding to which they are entitled.”

The ARG aims to help businesses which have been severely impacted by the January Lockdown, regardless of whether they have been legally required to close or not, and which do not qualify for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum.

To qualify, a business must be in the Dorset Council area; must have been open before the January 2021 national restrictions were in place; must have been required to close due to national restrictions that came into force in January and must not have a liability to pay business rates

Or the business may be eligible if it has remained open during the January national restrictions but has been significantly impacted and suffered a severe loss of income directly as a result of the national restrictions (severe loss is defined as 50 per cent or more, compared to your usual or forecasted income for this time of year)

The round of ARG relating to the November-December 2020 lockdown period is now closed.

Over 1,100 Additional Restriction Grants, totalling £1.6 million, have been paid out so far in February to small businesses which qualified for the earlier November lockdown payment.

See more and how to apply at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/business-grants