£8.5 million has already been distributed to businesses in Ashfield with more to follow from £22 million government payout to district
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The authority has received £22m in funding from the government as part of its Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants.
The council is now encouraging all eligible businesses who have received a letter from them and who’ve not yet applied to get in touch.
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Hide AdHundreds of business have already applied for the grants, which has seen individual businesses awarded £10k for the SBBR Grant and up to £25k for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.
Councillor Mathew Relf, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is positive to see so many businesses applying for the grants. Once a business has completed the quick and easy application this will be processed and the funds in their bank account within a few days. The coronavirus outbreak has left dozens of business across our district struggling. Many have had to furlough staff and, as a council, we are doing everything possible to support them.”
And businesses are already benefiting from the grants.
Tasha Cotterill, of Kip McGrath Ashfield, said: “The business grant has been very useful to us as a start-up business, as it has meant that we can carry on tutoring within the community by moving to online learning. We hope that the grant will enable us to get through these hard times and be able to resume and build our business as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Carrie Austin, of Carrie Austin Photography, added: “This help is so appreciated. The grant means I don't have to worry about shutting the door of my studio until it is safe to reopen. The council has been great and very supportive in their emails. Money is a constant worry running a business and this grant has taken the pressure off. I'm so grateful.”
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Hide AdDetails on how to apply can be found here. All businesses who are eligable for help have already been notified.