Discretionary Small Business Grants

Hello All  The Discretionary Small Business Grants that were announced by the government earlier in the month are now available for businesses to apply. Cornwall has received around £13.5m from the government to use for grants for small businesses.  There are standard grants of £10,000 or larger grants of up to £25,000 which will be considered in exceptional cases that meet the scheme criteria.  The aim of the discretionary fund is to support small and micro businesses that have been: Negatively affected by COVID-19 Haven’t already received financial assistance through other government schemes Continue to have high fixed term costs related to property such as rent or mortgage payments Priority is given for businesses that fall into the following four groups: Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible work spaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment; Bed & Breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates, where the Bed and Breakfast business is the main income/occupation of the business owner. Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief - i.e. have a rateable value less than £15,000 If your business falls into one of these groups, please complete an application form. If you own more than one business, you can apply for each business that is eligible. If your application is successful, we hope to make a payment to you within 7 working days of approval. Click Here to Apply You will not be eligible for this discretionary grant scheme if your business is eligible for cash grants from any other central government COVID related scheme, including:   Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Small Business Grant Fund Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant The Fisheries Response Fund Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS). The Zoos Support Fund The Dairy Hardship Fund. You started trading after the 11 March 2020 If your business is in administration, insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made If your business does not fall into one of these groups, and you are unable to access any other form of government funding, please complete the expression of interest form and you will be contacted should more funding become available. Click here to complete an Expression of Interest Form. For more information https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/business/business-rates/business-rates-and-coronavirus/discretionary-coronavirus-small-business-support-grants/  If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. Have a good weekend Take care Jess