Businesses could now benefit from a discretionary grant fund

Hundreds of businesses across Herefordshire that have been impacted by the national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions could benefit from a new discretionary grant fund.

The Discretionary Grant Fund 2 managed by Herefordshire Council is for businesses that have been impacted by the November 2020 Covid-19 restrictions but are not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant.

Grants of between £1,334 and £3,000 are available for micro and small businesses and registered charities within Herefordshire that were mandated to close during the latest national lockdown, or have lost at least 50% of demand as a result of the restrictions.

Councillor Ellie Chowns, Cabinet Member for Environment, Economy and Skills, said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to hit many Herefordshire businesses very hard. This new discretionary grant will provide much-needed assistance to some of the smaller businesses and charities that have needed to close or seen significantly reduced demand due to the latest restrictions.

“We are so fortunate in Herefordshire to benefit from our many local retailers and businesses. We’re working hard to get these November-lockdown grants to businesses as quickly as possible while also making longer-term plans to help reboot our local economy and build back better after Covid.”

Applications are encouraged to be made before noon on Monday 14 December 2020.

Further details, the full eligibility criteria for businesses and how to apply can be found on the Herefordshire Council website