Eden businesses can now apply for two new COVID grants.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is available for businesses in this sector which have lost out on trade because of the Omicron variant.
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme has also been launched to support those businesses which are experiencing “severe hardship” resulting from Omicron.
Eden firms have until noon on Monday February 14 to apply for the funding.
The council is reminding people to check their eligibility before applying.
Mary Robinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economies and enterprise at Eden District Council, said: “Unfortunately, just because some businesses have previously qualified for COVID grants, it may be different this time due to new eligibility criteria. In addition, Government has allocated reduced funds for this round of ARG.
“We’re urging businesses in Eden to check their eligibility through our website and to apply if they feel they have suffered as a result of recent restrictions, as the grant money is there to help and doesn’t need to be paid back.
“If you are a business like holiday accommodation, a restaurant, wedding venue, or nightclub, you will likely fall into the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant criteria.
“If you do not qualify for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, but have been severely affected by the rise of the Omicron variant in December or the move to Plan B on December 10 2021, you may be able to receive support from the ARG scheme.
“As well as these grants, we have a wide range of support to help your business during these challenging times. Initiatives such as apprenticeship grants and free membership of Cumbria Chamber or the FSB are open to Eden businesses.”
Both the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant and the Additional Restrictions Grant (third top up) schemes are being administered locally by Eden District Council.
Businesses can apply by visiting www.eden.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/business-support-grants
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme looks to support businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.
The support will be a one-off grant, available for businesses on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) business ratings list on 30 December only. Grant amounts available stand at: rateable value of £15,000 or under, £2,667; rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000, £4,000; rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over, £6,000.
The Government announced a third top up amount to local authorities for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), to support businesses “severely impacted” by the rise of the Omicron variant. A policy setting out eligibility criteria in Eden is available on the Eden District Council website.
