Deadline looms for Ashfield council business lockdown support grants with £317,000 already paid out

At least 470 firms have already applied for help and the council is encouraging all eligible business owners to submit an application before the deadline at midnight on Sunday, November 29.

Council leader Jason Zadrozny said “It is fantastic to see that so many businesses have already applied. If you’re unsure if your business qualifies, the eligibility checker on our website will quickly tell you.

“These are extremely difficult times and we know the grants will be a lifeline to many across the district. We are determined to help as many businesses as possible as we prepare for the lifting of lockdown on Thursday, December 3.”

He added: “I would encourage as many businesses as possible to check to see if they are eligible for these grants.

“The money is here to help business reduce the impact of the pandemic and support them when they are able to reopen.”

There are two funding streams available: the local restrictions support grant and the discretionary local business support grant.

The Government-funded grants are available to businesses that have been affected by the second national lockdown – or the tier two and three Nottinghamshire restrictions which were in force prior to that.

That includes non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, accommodation, personal care, entertainment and and any businesses in the direct supply chain of these sectors.

The local restrictions support grant is primarily aimed at those businesses with rateable value.

Other businesses, including homeworkers, may be able to claim a discretionary grant.

The council has an online eligibility checker to quickly determine who can qualify. Anyone answering yes to all six eligibility criteria, should then complete a simple online application form and submit the necessary evidence.

Full details of the grants available can be found at https://bit.ly/3nRC694.

Questions related to the application process should be sent to [email protected].

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