Hundreds of eligible businesses in Plymouth have not yet applied for grants to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plymouth City Council is actively looking for and contacting businesses that could benefit from the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail,
In less than four weeks, the Council has approved almost 3,000 grant applications and paid out £32 million directly to businesses.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “Since the start of the pandemic we have been working incredibly hard to support local businesses and protect jobs. I’m really proud to be able to say that we have already distributed £32 million in grants, but there is more work to be done and we will not rest on our laurels.
“We now have a team of people on the case to actively search for and speak to anyone who hasn’t yet applied for the Government grant funding available, making sure they receive the support they need.
“We also recognise that there are many businesses that have fallen through the gaps and are missing out on vital Government support. They have not been forgotten and we are lobbying hard, asking for urgent financial support for these businesses.”
The Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund were announced by the Government in March as part of a £330 billion package of support. Letters were sent to Plymouth businesses on 26 March with details of how to apply for the grants.
The following criteria apply to the grant scheme:
- Any business currently in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief will be eligible for a £10,000 grant
- Any retail, hospitality or leisure business in receipt of Expanded Retail Discount with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will be eligible for a grant per property based on eligibility criteria below:
- Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value of £15,000 or below will be eligible for a £10,000 grant.
- Any retail, hospitality or leisure business with a rateable value above £15,000 and below £51,000 will be eligible for a £25,000 grant.
The Council is also working with city partners, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Business Improvement Districts to increase awareness of the grants.
Many of the businesses identified as eligible receive Small Business Rate Relief so do not have contact with the Council’s rates team and may not realise they are entitled to funding.
Any businesses which think they might be eligible are encouraged to get in touch via the dedicated business grant helpline on 01752 308984.
For more information, including contact details, please see: