Discretionary business grant scheme launched

From today (Monday 1 June) small businesses experiencing a significant drop in income as a result of Covid-19 can apply to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for a Discretionary Business Grant Fund.

This fund is aimed at businesses that previously fell outside the scope of the grants for small businesses and those in retail, hospitality and leisure and is for small businesses with ongoing fixed property related costs.

Funding awards are at the discretion of the Council with the maximum grant likely to be £10,000.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Council Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration and Finance, said: "We're delighted to open up applications to this grant fund for businesses in the Moorlands who weren't able to benefit from the previous funding.

"Applications can now be made via a form on our website and we'll also need supporting evidence including your latest set of accounts.

"If you think you might be eligible please get your applications in. We'll look forward to receiving them and supporting more businesses in the Staffordshire Moorlands through this unprecedented situation."

Councils have been asked by the Government to prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for small business rates relief and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.

Eligible businesses must have fewer that 50 employees and be able to demonstrate a significant drop in income due to Coronavirus restriction measures alongside evidence of fixed property costs and the accounts.

Visit www.staffsmoorlands.gov/Coronavirus-Business-Financial-Support for more information and to apply.

Created 01/06/2020