BUSINESSES across Droitwich and the rest of Wychavon impacted on by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 can now apply for a new stream of support funding.
Three schemes have opened for applications and businesses are being urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is aimed at businesses in sectors affected by the spread of the Omicron variant and the impact of Plan B measures to contain it.
Grants of between £2,667 and £6,000 are on offer depending on the rateable value of the business premises. The deadline for applications is February 28.
A discretionary funding scheme for businesses affected by the Omicron variant which are not in the hospitality or leisure sector or do not have a business rates account, has also opened. It offers grants between £500 and £6,000.
Demand for the scheme is expected to be high and funding is limited so support will be prioritised towards those businesses deemed most in need.
Businesses can also claim for the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) aimed at businesses affected by the pandemic which have not been able to claim help from existing support schemes linked to Business Rates.
Instead of cash grants, the support will be given to qualifying businesses in the form of a discount on their Business Rates bill for 2021/22.
Applications must be made by February 21.
Businesses can find out more about the support funding available and apply by visiting wychavon.gov.uk/business and clicking on the link at the top of the page.
Coun Richard Morris, Wychavon District Council’s executive board member for economic growth and tourism, said:
“We’ve already distributed more than £53million worth of support to businesses during the pandemic so far.
“The latest funding we have received isn’t enough to help every business affected by the Omicron variant and the latest restrictions but we’ll make every effort within the guidance we have been given to support as many businesses as possible.”
