Wealden announces COVID-19 Financial support for businesses

Many local businesses both large and small are struggling during this extreem period of lockdown, and social distancing. While some businesses have been able to move online or into a takeaway or delivery model, some just don’t have that option. Either way, the impact on business is enormous and will only increase over the coming months. Depending on their circumstances, there will be help available from Wealden District Council, who recently announced that it is now able to accept applications for grant funding.

A dedicated crisis fund of £47million is available to support Wealden businesses. Grants of up to £25,000 are available to those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. Any small business that already pays little or no business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), Rural Rate Relief (RRR) and Tapered Relief, is eligible to apply for a one-off payment of £10,000.

An application form is now available for completion on the Wealden website: https://tinyurl.com/COVID19businesssupportgrant

Cllr Bob Standley, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Governance and Finance said: “During these uncertain times it is vital that we do all we can to support the local economy and the livelihoods of our residents. Business rates for many Wealden businesses have already been suspended for the 2020-21 tax year, and we hope that this additional support will go some way to help prevent closures and redundancies. We urge as many eligible businesses as possible to apply for this one-off grant funding to help support and secure their future in the aftermath of Coronavirus.”

More information on advice and support for businesses during the pandemic is available on the COVID-19 section of our website: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/news-and-events/coronavirus-covid-19-latest/advice-support-and-information-for-businesses/