Published: Friday, 21st May 2021
Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available for businesses in west Norfolk that have been severely impacted by the restrictions brought about by Covid-19.
This discretionary scheme includes help for those who weren't legally forced to close but nonetheless suffered as a result of the Covid restrictions.
The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as applications meet the criteria, which are:
- Evidence how the businesses has been impacted on
- Detail what investment is needed and why
- Demonstrate how the investment will enable them to recover and strengthen their business
Business sectors prioritised for these grants are hospitality and tourism and businesses that supply them, leisure, venues, cultural activities, market traders, businesses and sole traders outside the business rates system.
Cllr Graham Middleton, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk Cabinet Member said: "So many businesses have been affected by Covid and not all have been able to access grant funding. This particular scheme, which is funded by the Government's Additional Restrictions Grant, will provide businesses with a grant to cover 75% of their capital and revenue costs on any projects that help them recover and improve their future resilience.
"The grants must be paid out by 30 June so we are looking for projects that are ready to proceed immediately and aren't relying on planning or other permissions to go ahead. In some instances the grant can be used to fund costs incurred after 22 February 2021"
This scheme is being administered by the New Anglia Growth Hub. An adviser will produce a detailed assessment based on your application, which will then be reviewed by a panel before a decision is issued.
Applications must be submitted by 24 May 2021. To apply contact the New Anglia Growth Hub on 0300 333 6536 or email growthhub@newangliagrowthhub.co.uk.
This scheme is in addition to the Refresh Reopen Grant scheme launched by the borough council which aims to support outdoor/indoor adaptations and shop front improvements and the Go Digital programme with Norfolk County Council which provides digital support and a small grant to help businesses with their online presence.
Businesses can apply for all schemes as long as they are not seeking grant support for the same item/project cost.
Details of all grants available from the borough council can be found on their business support webpage https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20148/business_rates_and_bid/819/business_help_due_to_coronavirus_covid-19