There is a new grant scheme for small and micro businesses with fixed property costs that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund. They may be eligible for the Discretionary Grants Scheme.
What you could get
You could get a discretionary grant of £25,000, £10,000 or any amount under £10,000.
Eligibility
You may be eligible if your business:
- is based in England
- has relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs
- occupies property (or part of a property) with a rateable value or annual mortgage/rent payments below £51,000
- was trading on 11 March 2020
You will need to show that your business has suffered a significant fall in income due to coronavirus.
Local councils are prioritising businesses such as:
- small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces, such as units in industrial parks or incubators
- regular market traders
- bed and breakfasts paying council tax instead of business rates
- charity properties getting charitable business rates relief, which are not eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief
Apply NOW – Councils may have an imminent claim deadline
Local councils have discretion about how to prioritise this funding. Our local council has set a time limit of this Friday (12th June) to receive claims and so this may be the case with other councils. Please check with your council for details of their scheme. You cannot apply if your business is in administration, insolvent or has received a striking-off notice.
You cannot apply if you’re already claiming under another government grant scheme, such as:
- Small Business Grant Fund
- Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant
- Fisheries Response Fund
- Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme
- Zoos Support Fund
- Dairy Hardship Fund
You ARE still eligible if you’ve applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
Businesses that apply for the discretionary grants scheme can still apply for coronavirus-related loans if they’re eligible.