To help lessen the impacts of the shutdown, firms which already receive small business rate relief or rural rate relief may be eligible for a £10,000 grant, while retail, hospitality or leisure businesses operating from property with a rateable value of up to and including £15,000 may also be eligible for a grant of £10,000. Those in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000 may be eligible for a grant of £25,000.

Dorset Council has distributed grants to 770 businesses and continues to process information from a further 4,374 businesses who have completed the online form. Others who are eligible but not yet registered are asked to do so as soon as possible to receive their cash. The online registration form is available at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/business-grants

Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said, “Dorset Council is committed to supporting our business community. The grants are currently our priority, and we are aware that there are still businesses yet to confirm their eligibility. Please complete the online e-form, this is your money and we want it to be with you and supporting you as soon as is possible.”

The council’s revenues and benefits team has drafted in colleagues from across the organisation as each registration must be verified before payment is made. The awards are taking approximately 10 working days to process, ensuring that all eligible businesses get fast access to funding.