A Discretionary Grant Fund is available for small and micro-businesses that are adversely affected by the Coronavirus and are not eligible for other grant schemes.
The grant amount is discretionary and may be up to £25,000, £10,000 or any amount under £10,000.
The grant is assessed and administered by Local Authorities. A business is potentially eligible for this fund if it:
- Is based in England.
- Has fewer than 50 employees.
- Has fixed building costs such as rent.
- Was trading on 11 March 2020.
- Has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus.
- Is not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
Priority applications are given to:
- Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces, such as units in industrial parks or business incubators.
- Regular market traders.
- Bed and breakfasts paying council tax instead of business rates.
- Charity properties getting charitable business rates relief, which are not eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief.
You cannot apply if:
- Your business is in administration, insolvent or has received a striking-off notice.
- If you’re already claiming under another government grant scheme, although you may also claim for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self-Employed Income Support Scheme.
How to apply
This grant opened on 29 May 2020. It closed on 17 June 2020.
Go to your local council’s website to apply.
Links
COVID-19: Grant funding for business
What cash grants are available to support businesses during the Coronavirus crisis?
COVID-19: Government Support Tracker
This tracker covers measures announced by the government to support individuals and businesses, as we get through COVID-19.
External links
Gov.UK Apply for the Discretionary Fund
Gov.UK Local Authority Discretionary Fund Guidance for Local Authorities