Liverpool businesses are being made aware of the final call to apply for cash from the Government’s COVID-19 business support schemes.
The closing date for applications to the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant funds is Friday, 28th August.
A one-off £10,000 cash grant is available to businesses active as of 11 March and registered for business rates in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) with a rateable value of up to £15,000.
A one-off, cash grant of either £10,000 or £25,000 is also available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses active as of 11th March, registered for business rates with a rateable value below £51,000. Qualifying businesses for this specific grant include:
- shops
- cafes, restaurants, takeaways and drinking establishments
- cinemas, music venues and nightclubs
- petrol stations
- gyms, leisure and sports facilities
- estate agents and letting agents
- betting shops and bingo halls
- car showrooms
- hotels and guest houses
Liverpool City Council has already distributed £100 million to 8,150 businesses – but is now writing to around 950 companies who have yet to apply with a final reminder.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral lead for business, Cllr Gary Millar, said:
“Liverpool really wants every single business that is eligible to apply for this funding. It will help give them a better chance of survival through the pandemic – and that also means keeping more businesses and jobs going.
“We know that the over £105 million we have already distributed has been an absolute lifeline to many thousands of firms and it is vital that every company that can apply, should apply, before time runs out.
“This is money for Liverpool firms that does not have to be paid back by those companies, and has no conditions attached as long as they meet the criteria.
“But if the money is not claimed we are not allowed to spend it on anything else and will be forced to return what’s remaining to the national Government. So, if we want this money to stay in Liverpool to benefit our local economy it is crucial that we all help spread the word in the coming days. “Thank you for that help and please take care and stay safe.”
The council has also given out a further £5 million in discretionary grants to organisations who do not meet the criteria for the Government schemes.
The claims process is simple and straightforward and can be found at www.liverpool.gov.uk/covidbusiness
