Grants now available for Southend businesses

April 1, 2020 by Southend Council

Small businesses, as well as companies in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, now have the opportunity to apply for a grant to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Small Business Grants Fund makes £10,000 available per eligible business who are currently in receipt of small business rates relief. Payments will be made by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council from government funding to support a business’s cash flow.

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant scheme provides businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property.

• For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of under £15,000, they will receive a grant of £10,000.
• For businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £51,000, they will receive a grant of £25,000.

Businesses will only be allowed to claim for one grant and must also be aware of State Aid rules in applying.

A simple form must be submitted by relevant businesses for the grant which applies to them, to ensure the council meets government requirements. Those businesses who think they qualify for the grants and would like to make an application should see this page on the council website

The council will endeavour to make payments as soon as possible after receipt of an application.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for Business, Leisure and Tourism said:

“Our teams have been working hard since the Government announced these different grants and funds, both to draw down the money from Government and respond to the national guidance on this to ensure we get the right information from businesses and make the process as simple as possible.

“These grants are now available for the many businesses that have suffered disruption during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

“If you think your business qualifies, please check the web page linked, complete the form and the council will aim to process your application and make payment as soon as possible”.

For further information on help available to businesses please go to www.southend.gov.uk/businesscorona. This page is updated as and when new information is provided.