Final Call for Applications for COVID-19 Business Grants

Reference: 

East Cambridgeshire District Council is urging eligible businesses that have not yet applied for one of the COVID-19 business grants to do so before the funding schemes end.

Central government has announced that the COVID-19 Small Business Grant and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Funding programmes will close on Friday 28th August.

To date, the Council has paid £13,955,000 to 1,148 eligible business in the district. 

The Council has made several attempts to contact businesses that they know are eligible for the funding.

It will be contacting organisations that have not responded to encourage them to apply.

Councillor David Brown, Chairman of the Finance and Assets Committee, said:

“The closing date is just around the corner and we urge those businesses who fit the criteria, but have not yet applied, to do so. 

“We would hate for eligible businesses to miss out on valuable financial support that has been earmarked for them. 

“To those wary of applying, I would like to reiterate that this is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be paid back.

“This funding will provide vital support for local organisations as they emerge from lockdown and try to adapt to the new normal.

“I urge those that do not want to accept the grant to let the Council know as soon as possible so that we can update our records.”

Currently the Council has received completed applications from 87% of those contacted regarding all funding options.

The Council would like to reiterate that even though community and sport group facilities are not classed as businesses, they are eligible for the Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure funding.

Businesses that haven’t heard from the Council can check their eligibility on the East Cambridgeshire District Council dedicated COVID-19 business support page.  

For more information about the financial support for businesses, visit the East Cambs website.