Small businesses encouraged to apply for grant support

Published: 30 June 2020

Funding support for small and micro businesses not eligible for other government funding will be available from the council from Monday.

Following the first round of applications to the Small Business Discretionary Scheme, £652,500 of funding has been paid to 109 small businesses and a new application round has now been launched.

Grants of £2,500, £5,000, £7,500 or £10,000 will be available for small and micro businesses in the borough linked to their level of fixed property overheads costs.

When applying, businesses must be able to demonstrate a significant loss of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, the business must have fewer than 50 employees, occupy a property with a rateable value of up to £75,000 or part of a property with a rateable value of up to £75,000. The business must also not be eligible for any other government schemes including (but not limited to):
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
• Small Business Grant Fund
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant
• The Fisheries Response Fund
• Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS)
• The Zoos Support Fund
• The Dairy Hardship Fund.

Businesses are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible as grants will be administered on a first come, first served basis. The new application window will launch on Monday (29 June) and businesses will need to complete an application form by 4.30pm on Thursday 9 July.

For more information on the eligibility criteria and to apply, see www.basingstoke.gov.uk/COVID-19-business-support-and-grants