New grants to help Colchester businesses affected by Omicron
It's for industries impacted by Omicron
Local businesses affected by Covid will be given a boost by a new grant offered by Colchester Borough Council.
Colchester’s businesses can apply for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant if they’ve been specifically impacted by the Omicron variant of Covid.
This funding will be one-off grants of up to £6000 per premises to businesses for which social mixing is a key part of their trade, for example restaurants, cinemas, museums and hotels.
Cllr Darius Laws, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business and Heritage, said: "It's been such a difficult time for so many businesses, in particular the leisure services and hospitality.
"They've had a really difficult time, so it's really great news that the government recognised that and is offering, via local authorities, these additional grants to help get them through to spring.
"As a local authority, we want to get it out there to businesses as quickly as possible to help them get through the difficult times that we're in so that they can remain in business.
"Then, when the sun shines longer and the pandemic eases, hopefully we'll be in a really strong position to motor on and get the economy going and get people back out there, happy and enjoying their communities and and businesses."
He also urged other Essex businesses to see what support their local councils are offering: "Our local authority is now in the process of proactively reaching out to businesses that have previously applied for grants to see if they are eligible for this new grant, and this is happening all over the country, so if you're in Essex and you're not sure if you're entitled to some additional support, get in touch with your local council and find out.
"In the case of Colchester, the deadline to apply is 21st of February, so I would encourage you to get on the case as soon as you can."
The government has also announced a top up of the Additional Restrictions Grant, which will aid businesses affected by Omicron, but ineligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant.
Businesses have until 21st February 2022 to apply for either grant.