Grants up to £18,000 available for West Northamptonshire businesses not legally forced to close by coronavirus pandemic

New grants are now available for businesses in West Northamptonshire that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic from a £5 million scheme.

The Additional Restrictions Grant (April) fund is aimed at businesses which were not legally forced to close but severely impacted by the restrictions.

Eligible firms have until midnight on Wednesday, May 12, to apply for an grant of between £2,667 and £18,000 – with the amount awarded depending upon the business’s rateable value.

Martin Henry, executive director of finance at West Northamptonshire Council, which administers the scheme, said: “We have a fund of almost £5 million in this new scheme, and aim to help as many businesses as possible that have been affected by the restrictions, while keeping the individual grant amounts high enough to provide meaningful support.

“This funding is available for a limited time, so applicants must ensure that they provide accurate information, along with all documentary evidence required, in order for us to process their application.”

Eligible businesses include those in the events sector, those which supply the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors and businesses outside of the business rates system which were forced to close like market traders.

Business owners who operate from home but have fixed business-related costs are also eligible to apply.

Businesses which have successfully applied for a Restart Grant may also be eligible, provided they have not received the maximum amount of funding permitted through the subsidy allowance.

For further information, including full eligibility criteria, and to apply, visit westnorthants.gov.uk/arg.