Published: Thursday, 4th June 2020
A new grant scheme is now available to small businesses who may have missed out on previous government funding.
The new £1million cash pot is aimed at businesses with high property-related costs who have suffered a substantial drop in income as a result of Covid-19 but could not access existing grant schemes.
Cannock Chase Council is prioritising occupiers of shared spaces, market traders, bed and breakfast establishments who do not pay business rates, and charities who are not eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or grants, as part of a phased approach in distributing money from the discretionary fund.
These businesses can apply to Cannock Chase Council for a share of the funding online at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/LADG. The first round of applications is open until Sunday 21 June.
Councillor Tony Johnson, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning, said: “This is a new scheme for businesses which will help some of those who have not been eligible for the existing government grants in response to coronavirus.
“We know that small businesses will be a key part of the economic recovery in our District so I would encourage those that have not received previous funding to check if they are eligible and if so get their application for a grant in as quickly as possible.
“Although the lockdown is easing, with more businesses now trading with the adoption of safe distancing and other measures, this additional source of income could prove vital to keep employees in work and ensure the survival of businesses over the coming months as the economy seeks to recover.”
A further round of funding will be rolled out from Monday 22 June.
Any business which has benefitted from the existing coronavirus grants, or does not occupy dedicated business premises, will not be eligible to apply.
Cannock Chase Council has already handed out more than £19.4 million to local firms as part of the government-backed coronavirus grants scheme.
Photograph:
Councillor Tony Johnson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Planning