Don’t miss out on business grants scheme  

The government is closing its business support grants scheme, meaning any business who has yet to apply must do so by Sunday 16 August.

Ashford Borough Council has been processing and paying applications to eligible businesses since April, with the scheme helping around 2,300 local small businesses with funding of almost £28m in total.

If you were trading and receiving Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief as at 11 March 2020, you can apply for the grant of £10,000 which can go towards ongoing business costs. Businesses in retail, leisure and hospitality, who were trading on 11 March 2020, with a rateable value between £1 and £15,000 can apply for a grant of £10,000.

Those more than £15,000 but less than £51,000 can apply for £25,000 grants. The application can be done online and will only take a few minutes. Businesses can only claim one grant so if you have already received funding through this scheme you may not apply again.

To ensure your application is processed in time to meet the deadline, please ensure you have the following information to hand:

• Business rates account reference number;

• VAT registration number (if you are registered for VAT);

• Company Number (if registered with Companies House);

• Business name and activity;

• Details of the ratepayer;

• Bank account details.

Payments will be made by the council before Friday 28 August.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of the Council, said: “We know that these grants have been invaluable in keeping businesses going during these unprecedented times. I encourage any business who is struggling but has not yet applied to make sure they do not miss the deadline. This money will not need repaying, it is a grant from the government as part of their programme to keep the economy moving.”

If you run a small business in Ashford borough in the retail, hospitality or leisure industry and have not claimed any government grants, you can find more information and apply online at www.ashford.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-for-businesses

The Kent and Medway Growth Hub has a coronavirus support hotline which is available to Ashford borough businesses in need of advice or help. You can call 03333 602300, 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.