Businesses urged to apply for Covid-19 grants

BUSINESSES that cannot open or operate as normal because of the Covid-19 lockdown are being invited to apply for grants – including those in Frodsham, Helsby and Kingsley.
The “Cheshire West Covid-19 Finance Support for Businesses grant” was launched on November 10 and already £520,396 have been paid out to 319 businesses across the borough.
More than 1,397 businesses have applied for the grant and eligible businesses are still being encouraged to apply.
Grants are focused on those businesses that cannot open or operate as normal during the national lockdown, and whose normal business model is therefore significantly affected by the lockdown regulations. To apply for the new grant visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/business-information/financial-support-for-businesses.aspx
Details about the grant, who is eligible, how to apply and frequently asked questions can be watched on a webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQFQ5R74EgM
The council has produced a single application form for businesses which will establish if support is available from one of the four Government grants:
•Grants available for rateable businesses forced to close during the national lockdown;
•Grants available to businesses affected by the national lockdown that are forced to close and are not eligible under the national lockdown scheme above;
•Grants available for business affected by Tier 2 (High Alert) restrictions;
•Grants available for businesses mandated to close since March;
Businesses in hospitality, leisure and accommodation along with non-essential retail, personal care, sports facilities and mobile businesses could be eligible.
Councillor Carol Gahan, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for Legal and Finance said: “We have started making payments to businesses straight away. As expected, we have a high volume of applications and will review each one as quickly as we can. If a decision can be made easily then we hope to let businesses know within five working days. However, there will be some applications that take longer but we still hope to process these within ten working days.”