Bradford Discretionary Grant Scheme Now Open
Bradford Council is calling on local businesses that could be eligible for a new Covid 19 grant to urgently apply.
The government has provided the local authority with £6.8 million to be spent on discretionary business grants. This allocation is much smaller the previous £137 million pot the government provided for earlier Covid 19 grants.
Looking at the number of businesses in the district still needing support, the council believes the scheme will be significantly oversubscribed, so it is important businesses apply before Friday 19 June when applications close. Unfortunately late applications cannot be considered for funding.
The new scheme is aimed at some small businesses who were not eligible for the previous grants which were the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund. The grant will be available to a range of businesses including those in shared accommodation, bed and breakfasts, charities, nurseries and market traders. Firms who have applied for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme may also apply.
Payments of up to £10,000 will be available to small businesses with under 50 staff that aren’t eligible for other current Covid 19 business grants. They must have fixed costs related to business premises and show a significant fall in income due to the coronavirus crisis. The businesses must have been trading before 11 March 2020 and the grants must be State Aid compliant. The main eligibility criteria for the new grant have been set by the government, the council’s Invest in Bradford team will offer advice and support to all applicants who are found not to qualify.
The coronavirus Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund opens Thursday 4 June and businesses can apply by visiting https://www.bradford.gov.uk/business/help-for-businesses/local-authority-discretionary-grant-fund/
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This new scheme is designed to help those who have missed out on previous Covid 19 government grants and we will ensure the more limited allocation is distributed fairly and equitably.
“We have already paid over £111 million to 9,991 local businesses under the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund and are doing everything we can to fight for and support local firms through this extremely difficult period.
“We welcome this funding but don’t expect it to meet the demands of all local businesses.
“The council wants to distribute the grants quickly, so I urge businesses who think they may be eligible to get in touch as soon as possible so we can assess their applications and transfer the money.”
To find out about the full range of businesses grants and support provided by Bradford Council, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/business