A new Government Discretionary Grant aimed at supporting small businesses has launched across Devon.
Teignbridge District Council has this week launched an additional package of funding aimed at helping small and micro businesses. Importantly this includes all those that have not been eligible for any other grant, with the exception of the furloughed Job Retention Scheme and the self‐employed income support scheme.
One of the key criteria for eligibility is businesses who have high ongoing fixed property-related costs and who can show that they have suffered a major fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
This grant funding is for businesses that are not eligible for other support schemes. Businesses that have received cash grants from any central government COVID-19 related scheme are also ineligible for funding from the discretionary grants fund.Such grant schemes include Business Support Grants, The Fisheries Response Fund, Domestic Seafood Supply Scheme (DSSS), The Zoos Support Fund and The Dairy Hardship Fund.
Businesses that have applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Businesses who are eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) are eligible to apply for this scheme as well.
Only businesses which were trading on or prior to 11 March 2020 are eligible for this scheme.
Companies that are in administration, are insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made are not eligible for funding under this scheme.
Leader of Teignbridge District Council, Cllr Gordon Hook, said: “Our priority throughout this pandemic has been to protect lives, support our communities and help the economy to get back on its feet as quickly as possible.
“We have very high numbers of very small businesses in Teignbridge, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sector, and this additional funding could provide much needed support to small enterprises that haven’t been eligible for previous funding.
“Applications for the grants are open now, and I’d encourage any small businesses that think they might be eligible to take a look at our website or to call our customer support team.”
It is expected there will be a large demand for funding therefore to ensure the money is shared fairly, the Council will be accepting applications in three separate sections. Businesses not successful within each section will be rolled forward for another chance until all of the funds have been allocated.
The Council will be checking all claims against previously approved grants, data held on file and with HM Revenue and Customs records to ensure no fraudulent claims are made.
Applications can be made via the Council’s website, with the first grants being paid w/c 22 June. The second and third segments will then follow at two weekly intervals. Anyone unable to complete the form online can telephone 01626 361101.
Businesses should ensure they have the corresponding supporting documents at hand before starting the application, including bank statement for March this year, latest set of accounts, HMRC Self-assessment with a cash flow forecast or a Tenancy Agreement, if applicable.
The Councils’ grant teams will be working as quickly as possible to process the claims and cannot respond to each business with individual updates, the team is asking businesses to please remain patient and they will respond as soon as they can.
Care should be taken when entering details and especially numbers; incorrect information provided could significantly delay an application, and applicants should check bank account details carefully before submitting the claim, as the council will not be able to pay a discretionary grant twice.
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