Time running out for business grants
There are approximately 175 businesses in Slough which could qualify for the government’s Covid-19 financial assistance but have not claimed for it.
The council is trying to reach these companies before the end of the month when access to the business grants end.
Each of the businesses could be entitled to £10,000 as part of the government’s business survival package in response to the coronavirus public health crisis.
Of the funds allocated to Slough businesses, 93 per cent has been distributed by the council.
Businesses which may qualify and have not submitted an application, have also not responded to various methods of contact by the team administering the grants. This has included at least two letters, telephoning and messages via social media as well as utilising partner organisations to initiate contact, including the Berkshire Business Growth Hub.
Any qualifying business has until 28 August for the grant to be paid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund will cease on that day.
Jackie Adams, workstream lead for revenues and benefits, said the businesses who are entitled to the government money and have not yet applied are the ones who may need it the most as they could be smaller outfits.
She said: “Time is running out for businesses to get grants they are entitled to.
“Since March our small team has overseen the administration of 1,173 grants to businesses in Slough totalling more than £16.7 million.
“These grants have been vital to our local economy by helping ensure the survival of small businesses including shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities.
“We are in the final stages of this programme and the vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants.
“If you think that you are eligible, but have not yet been in touch with us about this, please do so as soon as possible.
“Subject to checks businesses will receive the grant payment within 10 days of contacting us.”
There is more information about the grant here https://www.slough.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/coronavirus-and-business-rates.aspx .
The council is trying to reach these companies before the end of the month when access to the business grants end.
Each of the businesses could be entitled to £10,000 as part of the government’s business survival package in response to the coronavirus public health crisis.
Of the funds allocated to Slough businesses, 93 per cent has been distributed by the council.
Businesses which may qualify and have not submitted an application, have also not responded to various methods of contact by the team administering the grants. This has included at least two letters, telephoning and messages via social media as well as utilising partner organisations to initiate contact, including the Berkshire Business Growth Hub.
Any qualifying business has until 28 August for the grant to be paid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund will cease on that day.
Jackie Adams, workstream lead for revenues and benefits, said the businesses who are entitled to the government money and have not yet applied are the ones who may need it the most as they could be smaller outfits.
She said: “Time is running out for businesses to get grants they are entitled to.
“Since March our small team has overseen the administration of 1,173 grants to businesses in Slough totalling more than £16.7 million.
“These grants have been vital to our local economy by helping ensure the survival of small businesses including shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities.
“We are in the final stages of this programme and the vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants.
“If you think that you are eligible, but have not yet been in touch with us about this, please do so as soon as possible.
“Subject to checks businesses will receive the grant payment within 10 days of contacting us.”
There is more information about the grant here https://www.slough.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/coronavirus-and-business-rates.aspx .
