Applications open for new grants to support Worcester businesses

A new grant scheme for businesses affected by the impact of the Covid pandemic, and which are continuing to face premises costs while they recover, has been launched by Worcester City Council.

Businesses and organisations that are based in a premises in the city, either their own or one belonging to a client, can apply for up to £2,700 from the new Discretionary Restart Grant scheme. Businesses operating at outdoor event venues may also apply.

Applications from businesses and organisations that did not qualify or receive a grant from the schemes that ran from November 2020 to March 2021 will also be considered, if they were affected by the Covid restrictions, regardless of whether they operate from a premises or offer a mobile service.

The new Discretionary Restart Grants are available to businesses and organisations:

• without a Business Rates account, that had to close under the national restrictions from 5 January 2021
• with a business rates account, that were not eligible for the earlier Covid-19 Business Restart Grant, and which provide in-person services from their premises, and have suffered a loss of income in the January-March lockdown and since re-opening in April
• with or without a Business Rates account, operating in the events and conference or leisure and hospitality sectors or their supply chains.

Full details on the application process can be found at www.worcester.gov.uk/business.

The deadline for applying is 31 January 2022, subject to funding availability.

Businesses that have received a grant since November 2020 need not apply, as the City Council has contacted them directly.

Shane Flynn, Worcester City Council’s Director of Resources, said: “If you think your business qualifies for this new Discretionary Restart Grant, I would encourage you to apply now at www.worcester.gov.uk/business. We will process your application as quickly as possible.”

Businesses can sign up to a City Council newsletter to keep them up to date with the support available by emailing economy@worcester.gov.uk.