Council’s £91 million business boost – but support funding ends 28 August

With over 7,200 local businesses and organisations helped by Bristol City Council during the coronavirus pandemic – all funding is now due to end on 28 August.

Since the government’s business support grant funding has been available – over £91m has been given to support local businesses across the city.

The council reports over 95% of Bristol businesses eligible for the funds have applied and successfully received grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000.

The money has come from the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund.

Owner of KASK in Bedminster, Charlie Taylor, said: “The speed in which we received the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant from the council was phenomenal.

“The funding gave us security at the start of lockdown to know that we could pay our rent and get through this difficult time. We’d strongly encourage any business who hasn’t yet applied for a grant to check if they are eligible and apply as soon as possible.”

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Performance, Councillor Craig Cheney, said: “It’s no secret that this pandemic has impacted so many different businesses in various sectors.

“These business grants have been vital to our local economy – helping to ensure the survival of shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and many other businesses in Bristol.

“The vast majority of businesses have now claimed a grant, but if you think you are eligible and have not been in touch with us yet, please do so as soon as possible.

“It is vital that we are able to process the final applications before the deadline on Friday 28 August, as applications received after this date cannot be considered and any unspent funds will need to be returned to the government.”

Round two of the Discretionary Grant already closed on 19 July 2020 and applications will not reopen.

In Bristol, applications for the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund will close at midnight on 28 August 2020. If an application is successful, a grant payment will be made within two weeks.

For more information visit the council’s website.