News Businesses with reduced footfall urged to apply for business grants
Maidstone Borough Council is calling on businesses that may have been unsuccessful previously in applying for a business grant or not felt they qualify to try again this time as a new ‘hardship’ category has been introduced.
The deadline for Maidstone businesses to apply for the ‘Additional Restrictions Grant’ (ARG) has also been extended until Friday 30 April.
The grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Samantha Fellows from Corporate Entertainment Professionals has already been awarded a grant, she said:
“We really wasn’t sure if we were suited for the ARG. For us, as a small business that has been severely affected during Covid it has been a lifeline. For anyone who has a small business who isn’t sure this grant can be for them I would say you are not going to know unless you try, so give it a go.
To see a video of Samantha click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f5MwW-ccOo
Stephen McGinnes Mid Kent Services Director at Maidstone Borough Council said:
The new category is aimed at those businesses that have been able to remain open but have been adversely affected by the reduced footfall in our town centre and other retail destinations across the borough.“As it is likely this will be the last round of funding under the scheme we really want every business that has not yet qualified for other grants to give it a try.
“We have £1.3m remaining of the discretionary government grant and would love to see every Maidstone business that needs it receiving money.
“If you are a Maidstone business that has suffered financial loss and not been able to claim other grants then we urge you to apply. It is a simple online application.”
Businesses that qualified for a grant between 5 January to 16 February and continue to meet the criteria for the scheme will be automatically awarded a further grant with no need for a further application.
Applications for this round of funding, which covers the period from the 17 February must be received no later than 30 April 2021.
The grants full eligibility criteria and online application form is available on the Maidstone Borough Council website: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/covid-19/tier-2-primary-areas/advice-and-help-for-businesses/additional-restrictions-grant
To keep up to date with all information on this grant, and other support for businesses, sign up to our newsletter at https://www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk/newsletter/