Businesses across Cheshire West and Chester having to close due to COVID-19 restrictions are now being encouraged to apply for a new financial support grant. The ‘Cheshire West COVID-19 Financial Support for Businesses’ can be applied for from today (10 November) by visiting:
A free webinar on Wednesday, 11 November at 3.30pm will explain how the new grant works, how to apply and answering questions. The webinar will be broadcast live for up to 250 businesses who can register for joining details:
Following the live broadcast, the video will be shared on the Council’s Let’s Talk Business website.
The Government has introduced new restrictions to tackle the latest escalation of COVID-19. These measures started on Thursday, 5 November, through to 2 December.
This means that the previous tier alert system has been suspended. The government also announced a series of grants to support businesses during the restrictions.
The Council has produced a single application form for businesses which will establish if support is available from one of the four Government grants:
- Grants available for rateable businesses forced to close during the national lockdown;
- Grants available to businesses affected by the national lockdown that are forced to close and are not eligible under the national lockdown scheme above;
- Grants available for business affected by Tier 2 (High Alert) restrictions;
- Grants available for businesses mandated to close since March;
Businesses in hospitality, leisure and accommodation along with non-essential retail, personal care, sports facilities and mobile businesses could be eligible.
Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance said: “We are acutely aware of the financial hardship many businesses find themselves in during the current time and we have developed a simple online application form, with guidance. Please use this form to apply for a grant.”
Businesses that can continue to trade because they don’t depend on direct in-person trade will not be eligible, this includes professional services, manufacturing, digital and creative businesses.
Essential retail and businesses allowed to stay open won’t be eligible.
Added Councillor Gahan: “I can assure every business we will make the payments as quickly as we can, this is a huge task, it isn’t automated, but we have a team ready to help. Applications will be acknowledged, and successful businesses will also be contacted to confirm when payments have been made”