Government Grants Available For Local Businesses

Businesses that have been forced to close or have been severely affected by the new restrictions can apply for one of the following business grants from Swale Borough Council:

• Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) or
• Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)

Businesses in rated commercial premises that have been forced to close can get grants of between £1,334 and £3,000 to cover the 28-day period from 5 November through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed).

Businesses that are affected by the new restrictions, but haven’t been forced to close, could receive one-off payments of between £1,334 and £3,000, through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).

Cllr Monique Bonney, cabinet member for economy and property at the council, told SFM News: “We’re pleased that the Government is providing some financial support to help businesses which are significantly impacted by the restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19. As before, the government guidelines on who can qualify for business support are strict, but we’ll be working hard to ensure that those that do qualify receive help. Businesses can apply now until 2nd January, so I urge anyone needing help to visit our website for more information and to apply. Local businesses are at the heart of Swale’s economy and I’m glad the government is providing additional support this time around.”

Cllr Roger Truelove, leader Swale Borough Council, told SFM News: “While we do what we can to support local businesses, it’s important for local people to do their bit and act responsibly and stop the spread of the virus. The number of cases in Swale is still rising at an alarming rate and we all have to do our bit to ensure we don’t end up in a higher tier when these new restrictions end. If we don’t lower the rate of cases, local lockdown for Swale could continue if we’re placed in a higher tier than we had before. Please stay home unless going for essential shopping, work or medical appointments and remember to wash your hands, cover your face and allow space for social distancing. We can get on top of this if we all work together. It’s down to all of us.”

To qualify for a grant a business must meet certain criteria, and there’s more information, including how to apply for either grant, at www.swale.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Other support is available from the Government, and businesses can find what is available to them at www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.