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Covid support grants for small businesses in Bristol
Small businesses that have been forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions could be eligible for a new one-off support grant.
Bristol City Council is urging business owners to check their eligibility and apply for the latest raft of funding from the government, designed to cover a four-week period for those ordered to shut up shop in order to comply with the latest national lockdown.
The Local Restrictions Support Grants of £1,334, £2,000 and £3,000 – depending on rateable values – will be paid to certain businesses and charities that have been ordered to close as a result of the restrictions and that have a live business rates account.
Enterprises that have been forced to close but have adapted their business model during lockdown, for example by operating a ‘click and collect’ service, will still be eligible for grants.
Craig Cheney, deputy mayor and cabinet member for finance, said: “We know how difficult the national restrictions are proving for the businesses that make Bristol such a thriving city.
“Working with city partners and businesses now to ensure we can respond to the devastation caused by Covid will mean we are in a better place to recover and ensure business viability remains possible during this crisis.”
The council has advised businesses can apply even if they are seeking other forms of support, such as the Bounce Back Loan, the recently extended Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Job Retention Scheme.
Bristol City Council has also been working with other local authorities in the region and city partners such as Business West to determine the process to award further discretionary grants under the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme.
The council says further details on this support will be publicised in due course. The funding packages that will be available depending on what tier Bristol emerges into when national restrictions come to an end are also currently being reviewed.
For details on support available and how to apply, visit www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/covid-19-information-for-businesses and www.wearegrowth.co.uk/.
Main photo by Lowie Trevena
Read more: More support needed for businesses to weather difficult winter
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