West Lindsey District Council is urging local businesses that have not already received Government support to apply for the Discretionary Grant Fund, which will close on Friday 7 August 2020.

The fund, which was launched at the beginning of June, was designed to support those businesses who were ineligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund and who have been severely affected by COVID-19.

So far, the Council have supported 83 businesses, paying out £535,000 with a remaining £300,000 available. Currently there are 22 applications that are being assessed but there is still a significant amount of funding available for businesses.

The Conservative Leader of West Lindsey District Council has been pleased with the number of businesses that have already come forward, but he is keen to ensure all eligible businesses get access to the funds they need. He said:

“Our teams have been working extremely hard over the last few months to ensure that businesses are getting the funding support they desperately need. If you are not sure if you are eligible, please get in touch.

“It is vital that we distribute this funding so businesses can start to recover and rejuvenate the local economy.”

Grants range from £5,000 to 25,000 and are based on three distinct categories. Businesses are advised to visit the Council’s website – www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/businesssupport to check their availability and submit an application as soon as possible. Alternatively you can discuss you eligibility with a member of the Growth team by calling 01427 676676 or emailing [email protected].

Grant funding from the first round of grants is also still available which has already paid out nearly £17million, supporting 1,470 businesses across the district. £2million from this fund still remains to be paid with 243 businesses yet to apply.

If you have been contacted by the Council regarding the Small Business Grant Fund or Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund, please get in touch as soon as possible so that your application can be processed.

The grants fall in to three categories:

• Category One – Grant of £25,000: Businesses in Retail Hospitality and Leisure that were registered for business rates and in occupation of the same premises with a rateable value between £51,250 AND £79,500.
• Category Two – Grant of £10,000: Businesses that registered for business rates and in occupation of the same premises with a rateable value between £15,001 and £49,999 are eligible for £10,000.
• Category Three - Grant of £5,000: Businesses occupying a premises, or part of a premises with a rateable value or annual rent / mortgage paying below £51,000.

On Friday 7 August 2020 both funds will close to new applications to ensure all payments are made before the closing date of Friday 28 August.

For more information about either fund, please email [email protected]. For more information about other business support visit www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/businesssupport.

Help is also at hand for businesses in need of advice and support during COVID-19. Business Lincolnshire offer free impartial advice and support and are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Call 01522 782189 or email [email protected]. Their website also offers the latest information on funding and resources for businesses affected byCOVID-19. For more information visit www.businesslincolnshire.com.