Extra financial support being offered to businesses in Essex
It is being backed by Colchester Borough Council
Funding is being offered in Essex to support businesses previously excluded from main Government support schemes.
A countywide approach for business grants and additional financial support for local businesses has been announced, with local authorities working together to create a single approach for the use of the county council's £13 million grant funding.
It has been backed by the leader of Colchester Borough Council, Councillor Mark Cory.
The county council will be providing £7.2 million across Essex for self-employed people and small and medium-sized businesses who have previously fallen outside the scope of Government COVID-19 financial support schemes.
Up to £5,000 will be available through Colchester's discretionary grant scheme, which is also funded through the Government's Additional Restrictions Grant.
Businesses who have not applied already can complete an online application form, while those who have already done so will be considered against the new criteria.
Essex County Council has also committed £4.4 million to the Business Adaptation Grant scheme.
This offers grants of up to £1,500 to self-employed and small and medium-sized firms to make adaptations to their businesses, help keep staff in employment, improve their business, and ensure the health and safety of employees and customers.
The grants can also be used to develop new operating practices such as home working, or to capitalise on new opportunities such as new click & collect, takeaway or delivery services.
Data from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has recently revealed Colchester Borough Council ranked third in the country for the speed of which Covid Discretionary Business Support Grants were handed out, with 92 per cent of available funds awarded up to 18 January.
Cllr Cory said:
"We have continued to push hard for financial assistance to be given to struggling businesses in Colchester, so I am glad we have been able to agree a mechanism with Essex County Council to make it easier for businesses to access support.
"This additional funding will offer vital help for hundreds of businesses in the borough, and we encourage applications.
"Colchester was in the top three councils nationwide to give out the most money, most quickly, to our local businesses.
"We are determined to give all the support we can to businesses, to help make them profitable as they emerge from lockdown.
"This will help jobs, recovery, and offer the best possible experience to residents and visitors as life begins to return to normal in the coming months."
More details on the financial support available, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found online**.**