New funding available for small businesses

Published: Friday, 29th May 2020

More small businesses that did not qualify for Coronavirus grant funding up to now can apply for a new source of financial help.

Sevenoaks District Council has £1.2 million of additional Government funding to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and is encouraging them to apply for a share of the money.

Funding is open to Sevenoaks District-based businesses with less than 50 employees and a turnover of less than £10.2m. Businesses that qualified for Small Business Grants and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants cannot apply.

Applications will be prioritised for businesses that meet national and other criteria. The national criteria are:

  • Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces
  •  Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment
  • Bed & Breakfasts, which pay Council Tax instead of business rates
  • Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.

Cllr Matthew Dickins, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Investments, says: “"Recent weeks have been some of the toughest in memory for our District's rich and diverse business community. That's why we're determined to ensure it continues to receive the support it needs and I urge businesses that meet the criteria to apply for this new scheme as soon as possible."

 Businesses should visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinessadvice to find out more and apply.

 The deadline for applications is 12 June 2020.