BUSINESSES in Evesham and Pershore affected by coronavirus, including the impact of the Omicron Covid-19 variant can now apply for new support funding.
Three new schemes have opened for applications and businesses are being urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is aimed at businesses in those sectors affected by the spread of the Omicron variant and the impact of Plan B measures to try and contain it.
Grants of between £2,667 and £6,000 are on offer depending on the rateable value of the business premises. The deadline for applications is February 28.
A discretionary funding scheme for businesses affected by the Omicron variant, that are not in the hospitality or leisure sector or do not have a business rates account, has also opened. Grants between £500 and £6,000 will be available. Demand for the scheme is expected to be high and funding is limited so support will be prioritised towards those businesses deemed most in need.
Businesses can also claim for the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) which is aimed at businesses affected by the pandemic but have not been able to claim help from existing support schemes linked to Business Rates.
Instead of cash grants, the support will be given to qualifying businesses in the form of a discount on their Business Rates bill for 2021/22. Applications must be made by 21 February 2022.
Businesses can find out more about the support funding available and apply by visiting www.wychavon.gov.uk/business and clicking on the link at the top of the page.
Coun Richard Morris, executive board member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: “We’ve already distributed more than £53million worth of support to businesses during the pandemic so far.
“The latest funding we have received isn’t enough to help every business affected by the Omicron variant and the latest restrictions but we’ll make every effort within the guidance we have been given to support as may businesses as possible.”
