Second round of discretionary funding for businesses opens in Barrow

THE second phase of the discretionary grant scheme to help support businesses in Barrow has launched today, Wednesday July 15. Small firms that did not qualify for the government’s initial round…

THE second phase of the discretionary grant scheme to help support businesses in Barrow has launched today, Wednesday July 15.

Small firms that did not qualify for the government’s initial round of funding or other support grants - including those in hospitality, retail and leisure - are being encouraged to check their eligibility as the second phase of applications for Discretionary Small Business Support Grant opens.

The scheme is specifically aimed at small and micro-businesses that have suffered a financial loss since the start of lockdown following the global coronavirus pandemic.

So far, Barrow Borough Council has paid more than £250,000 to firms in the area following the first round of successful applications.

Those considering applying now have a 14-day window to submit their application before the deadline closes at midday on Wednesday, July 29.

The council will then seek to reach a decision on each within 15 working days.

The maximum grant available in Barrow is £10,000.

Leader of Barrow Borough Council Cllr Ann Thomson said: “As businesses start to resume services and open their doors for the first time in three months, for many this is a scary time.

“I would really urge you to apply for this scheme. We are trying our best to help as many businesses as we can. To do this, we need local firms to step forward, if they are eligible for the grant, and apply.

“I truly hope this financial support will reduce some of the pressures and stresses many business owners and employers are facing during what has been an incredibly difficult period.”

Guidelines around which businesses are eligible for the new grant have been set by central government:

  • Businesses must have been trading on March 11, 2020
  • Businesses that are eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme or Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can still receive grants under the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

In addition to the eligibility criteria, the Government has said that the grants are aimed at the following businesses:

  • Small or Micro businesses

  • Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs

  • Businesses which can demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis

Businesses who did not qualify in the first round of applications can apply again if they meet the changed criteria.

But, firms that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made are not eligible for funding under this scheme.

Businesses which have also received cash grants from any government Covid-19 related scheme are ineligible for funding. Such grants include The Fisheries Response Fund, Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

The second round of applications closes on July 29.