SMALL BUSINESS / ORGANISATION CASH

A new local emergency fund for Small Business has been launched. You can apply for a grant of up to £5000 through the 'Discretionary Fund for Small Businesses'. Deadline is 8th June to apply.

The fund will prioritise businesses in shared spaces (such as units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment), regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and Bed and Breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.

Other examples of the type businesses that could be eligible include:

• Independent businesses – those that are not eligible for Small Business Rate Grants due to payment to a landlord of all-inclusive rent

• Community organisations – those not eligible for Small Business Rate Grants due to payment to a landlord of all-inclusive rent

• Childcare Nurseries – those with a rateable value over £15,000 who will not have received business support grants to date, or that are not eligible for Small Business Rate Grants due to payment to a landlord of all-inclusive rent.

Applications are open until 8 June with eligible businesses expected to demonstrate a significant drop in income because of the coronavirus pandemic restriction measures.

For further information on eligibility, criteria, grant amounts and any other questions, please read the Discretionary Grants Fund FAQs www.southglos.gov.uk/discretionaryfund