As many of the current covid-19 business grant schemes come to a close for new applications at the end of March, eligible businesses who have yet to apply are encouraged to do so.

Businesses are encouraged to check which grant is available, their eligibility and what, if anything, they need to do to access the money. There is financial support available for particular restriction periods since 5 November 2020, and some of the grants are only available for specific business sectors.

To make it as simple as possible, the council has been paying as many of the grants as possible using the information it already has on the eligible businesses. Businesses have been asked to just simply reconfirm some details.

Any eligible business that has not already applied for support under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (closed) scheme should apply using the online form. Those applying before the 31 March will receive any funding they are eligible for backdated to November 2020. Due to government rules, those who apply after that date will only be able to receive funding backdated to 16 February 2021.

The current round of the discretionary grant scheme (the Additional Restrictions Grant) will also close to new applications on 31 March.  Businesses should visit our website to check their eligibility for this scheme and use the online form to apply if they think they are eligible.

To help businesses going forward, a new Restart Grants Scheme has been announced by the Government – the scheme will operate from 1 April 2021. The council awaits further details on how this scheme shall operate.

Businesses are encouraged to check the council’s website page and sign up to the business email newsletter and business Facebook group to be notified of any updates to the grants. More information on all the grants, and application forms, can be found at: https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/coronavirus-business-grants-claims/

 Allerdale Borough Council’s Grants team has paid out over £19 million to businesses since November 2020.