Small businesses hit by pandemic can apply for new government grants - The Leamington Observer

Small businesses hit by pandemic can apply for new government grants

Leamington Editorial 9th Aug, 2020   0

SMALL businesses hit by the pandemic across Coventry and Warwickshire can apply for new government grants.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, alongside Coventry City Council is distributing £312,000 allocated to the area from the government’s £20 million scheme.

Businesses with fewer than 250 employees can apply for grants between £1,000 and £5,000 to help them access new technology and other equipment as well as professional, legal, financial or other advice to help them get back on track.

The Growth Hub and council are also distributing £188,000 granted to Coventry and Warwickshire as part of the government’s £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package, which will give small businesses in the tourism industry grants between £1,000 to £5,000 to help them adapt to continue their businesses following Covid-19.




Companies can use the funding to pay for professional advice such as human resources, legal or financial expertise, adopt new technology and online systems, and in certain cases purchase minor equipment.

Growth Hub managing director Craig Humphrey said the support packages were an opportunity for SMEs to rebuild their businesses following the devastating impact of the pandemic.


He said: “These grant programmes have been launched to help small businesses take steps forward in their revival which, in turn, will boost the area’s economy.

“The grants are an ideal chance to seek specialist professional help in a wide range of areas from digital to health and safety, or to buy minor equipment, to enable SMEs to diversify and adapt to aid their recovery.

“The  Tourism Package is aimed at communities which depend on tourism which in Coventry and Warwickshire affects many SMEs.

“Towns such as Stratford have been among the worst hit in England because of a significant fall in tourist and visitor numbers since lockdown started in March.

“We would like to allocate the grants as soon as possible to hand out the funds quickly so when the application process starts at the end of this month, I would encourage business owners to apply because we predict this funding will support 200 SMEs within Coventry and Warwickshire.

“All the money will come from government and there is no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.”

Visit www.cwgrowthhub.co.uk by the end of August to apply for a grant.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Leamington Observer.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Leamington Observer.

Advertising

Advertise with the Leamington Observer to reach your audience

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.