Check your eligibility for new business support grants
Cumbria’s Business and Economic Response and Recovery Group (BERRG) is urging businesses forced to close their doors due to the second national COVID-19 lockdown to ensure that they apply for appropriate Government support.
Two new Government grant schemes were launched recently, or are about to be launched, which are being delivered locally by Cumbria’s six district councils.
However, some authorities are reporting that there seems to be some confusion between the two schemes with some businesses applying for assistance via a route unavailable to them.
This in turn can cause delays in getting the right support through to businesses in a timely manner.
The two new schemes available are the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed Businesses), referred to as the LRSG (Closed), and the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).
In short, businesses who pay business rates and are legally required to close should apply for the LRSG (Closed).
Businesses not eligible for LRSG (Closed), but which are severely affected by the current restrictions should apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant.
Jo Lappin, Chair of BERRG, part of the Local Resilience Forum structure and the body responsible for developing Cumbria’s business and economic response to COVID-19, said: “The recent launch of these two schemes was broadly welcomed as it provides further much needed support for our businesses at this very challenging time.
“However, we don’t want our businesses to see their funding delayed because they don’t know which scheme to apply for. So it would be great if our businesses could look closely at the criteria for each grant and make sure that they apply to their relevant local authority for the appropriate support scheme. Our local authorities have the latest up to date guidance as it applies specifically to their areas.
“We appreciate that many businesses are really busy trying to get their businesses fully back up and running and so are pressed for time. However, spending a little time on this is really worth it, as it can avoid more time correcting things later, and result in earlier payments.
“It will also help our local authorities to provide support to businesses more quickly, as they will have the right information with them, from the outset.”
Mrs Lappin, Chief Executive of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP), added: “As we emerge from national restrictions and enter tier 2, it remains extremely important that we all continue to do whatever we can to support our local businesses. This is especially important in the run up to Christmas.”
Full information is available via the following links to the councils’ individual websites: