First East Staffordshire businesses to receive coronavirus grant funding

This week, East Staffordshire Borough Council will start to award local businesses with the grant funding announced by the Government as part of its coronavirus business support package.

Eligible businesses will receive funding as part of the Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant schemes.

The Small Business Grant awards a £10,000 grant for businesses entitled to Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief. Business eligible under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant will receive a grant of £10,000 for businesses with a rateable value up to £15,000 and a grant of £25,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,001 and £50,999.

The Council expects that in the region of £16 million will be awarded to business through the Small Business Grant scheme and £9 million through the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

Councillor Ray Faulkner, Deputy Leader for Environment and Housing, said: “The Council has been working tirelessly to ensure that eligible businesses are allocated the appropriate grant funding as soon as possible. I’m delighted that the first businesses in East Staffordshire will receive their grant funding this week.

“This news follows the recent announcement that over £18 million of relief has been awarded to businesses and nurseries through the retail discount and the nursery discount relief schemes.”

The Government has announced a number of grants, schemes and support available to employers, employees and the self-employed. More details on the different support available can be found on the Council’s Coronavirus page www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/emergency-planning/coronavirus/esbc-services.