Small businesses in Warwick district are still being urged to apply for grant scheme to help with 'bounce back'

To date, 94 per cent of businesses qualifying for the government’s Small Business, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure schemes in the district have received more than £33.5 million in grant payments.

There is however additional funding of up to £10,000 available to businesses who were unable to access the original scheme through the Council’s discretionary programme, for which the Council is further extending its deadline and eligibility criteria.

Cllr Richard Hales, Warwick District Council's portfolio holder for business and finance, said: “Since we took up the administration of the schemes in April our Finance team has worked tirelessly to ensure that as many businesses as possible receive this lifeline support. However, we know that a number of businesses categories have fallen through the net or may not even know that they are now eligible for help.”

Jane Poulter, director for Jam Creative Marketing Limited, which received a grant through the discretionary scheme said: “Having moved in to new and bigger business premises at the start of the year with an increase in monthly rental, managing cash flow during the pandemic had been a stressful challenge.

"I decided to apply for Warwick District Council’s discretionary grant and although some work was involved in collating the financial information for the application, it was worth it.

"WDC dealt with the application efficiently and when I was awarded a grant, the money arrived swiftly.

"This funding boost has enabled me to protect my business for now and into the future and I would encourage other businesses within the district to apply.”

Nigel Burton, owner of Status Menswear in Leamington which also successfully applied to the scheme, said: “The discretionary grant payment is a real lifeline for small independent retailers such us mine.

"I really appreciate the support that the Council has given in getting the funding to me quickly, it’s made a big difference.”

Cllr Hales added: “I would like to stress that these payments are grants not loans and we do not plan to return any of our allocation to central government, we therefore urge business owners, sole traders and the self-employed from all sectors to get in touch as soon as possible.”

For full details of the grant scheme including the eligibility criteria, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/discretionarygrantfund.

Applications close at midday on Friday August 14.

All applications made to the council are subject to checks with a majority of businesses receiving payment within three to five working days.