Business grants schemes to close 

Cheshire East Council’s discretionary business grants programmes will close to applications at midnight tonight (Friday 11 February).

The council is urging businesses eligible to receive support through its Business Interruption Fund and Recovery and Growth Grant to submit their application as soon as possible, as applications are being assessed on a first come, first served basis.

The grant schemes are for businesses experiencing difficulties or recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and follow on from the council being awarded a further allocation of Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) by government.

As almost all the £15,328,000 allocated to the council has now been paid out, those who have not yet applied or completed their application are urged to do so without delay.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “I am pleased to see that so many Cheshire East businesses have been supported through our grant schemes and I know that a large number of applications are currently being assessed.

“However, there is a limited resource available and due to the success of these schemes, unfortunately it may not be possible to support all claims we receive.

“I encourage businesses to submit their applications as soon as possible, so that they don’t miss out can receive this financial support.”

The council’s Business Interruption Fund is to support businesses that can demonstrate they have continued to be impacted by the pandemic and awards of up to £10,000 are available.

The Recovery and Growth Grant is available to those seeking to invest in their premises, facilities or equipment to enable them to recover quickly, bring staff and customers safely back to work, or to capitalise on new opportunities. 

Grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 towards eligible investments can be applied for retrospectively.

This grant scheme is supported by the council’s Recovery and Growth Programme, which is aimed at assisting eligible businesses that are seeking to grow, adapt, diversify or expand their current operation to support their long-term sustainability.

For more information about the grants available and details of how to apply, visit the council’s help for businesses webpages.