Small businesses in Swanage that didn’t qualify for a government grant to support them through the coronavirus pandemic, are now in with a chance of getting a discretionary grant via Dorset Council of up to £25,000.
This is mainly aimed at businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector that do not pay business rates, so could not apply for the earlier grant funding.
Deadline is midnight on Sunday 14th June 2020
The deadline is midnight on Sunday 14th June 2020, so business owners have two weeks to apply for a grant ranging from £1,000 to £25,000.
The number of applications is expected to exceed the available funding, so businesses are encouraged to fill in the online form on the Dorset Council website, as soon as possible.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that the coronavirus pandemic has had an adverse financial impact on their business.
Money does not need to be paid back
The money does not need to be paid back and businesses that have already applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are eligible to apply, as well as people who qualify for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
Typically, this grant money should help these type of businesses:
- Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment
- Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment
- Bed and breakfasts which pay council tax instead of business rates
- Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief
- Businesses operating in the Visitor Economy (i.e. tourism and hospitality) and the supply chain of this industry that did not qualify for the previous funding
Dorset Council portfolio holder for economic growth and skills, Councillor Gary Suttle said:
“It is most welcome to see additional government funding for businesses that have not been eligible for financial support up to now and I am heartened by this move by the government to further help businesses.
“In my council role, I have encountered a number of businesses that failed to qualify for the previous grant scheme, but clearly need help and up to now I have found it distressing to be unable to offer anything other than sympathy when action is required.
“I would encourage any business owner who thinks they may be eligible for a discretionary grant, to apply as soon as possible in order to meet the 14th June deadline.”
To check eligibility and apply, please go to the Dorset Council website
