Published: 06/08/2020
BUSINESSES in Copeland are being urged to apply for cash grants before the deadline expires at the end of August.
Copeland Council has so far awarded over £16 million to more than 1,400 businesses across the borough that were eligible for financial support due to the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis.
The final two schemes that remain open for applications – the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Grant Fund – must close to applicants on August 28.
Small and rural businesses can register for cash grants of £10,000 and some are eligible for 100 per cent rate relief. Small business awards are dependent on the rateable value being less than £15,000.
Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with rateable values up to £15,000 can also register for a £10,000 cash grant. Businesses in the same sector with rateable values between £15,001 and £50,999 can register for a cash grant of £25,000, and all are eligible for 100 per cent business rate relief, for a period of 12 months, irrespective of rateable value.
A third scheme – the Small Business Discretionary Grant Fund – closed on June 15.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “I am urging businesses who have not yet applied for these grants to contact us urgently to do so. The money is there waiting for you.
“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, our officers have worked tirelessly to ensure that businesses in need have received the money they qualify for as soon as possible, and myself and our councillors have made direct contact with a host of businesses to ensure they received everything they are entitled to. It is not a loan; it is a grant that does not need to be repaid.
“As we approach the deadline, some businesses have yet to apply for the relevant funding, and it would be a crying shame if it goes unclaimed.”
For more information and to apply for rate relief or cash grants go to www.copeland.gov.uk/coronavirus-resources-business, email business.rates@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 598300.
