COUNCIL chiefs have paid out a total of £20million through three central Government COVID grant funds to nearly 1,500 Worcester businesses since the lockdown began in March, new figures have revealed.
Worcester City Council has processed payments to 1,435 city businesses through the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund. A further 80 businesses have received a Discretionary Grant.
The Government has announced all three schemes will close on August 28.
Shane Flynn, Worcester City Council’s director of resources, said: “These grants have literally been a lifeline for many Worcester businesses. A wide range have received essential support – including hairdressers, estate agents, restaurants, hotels, cafes, mechanics, printers and recruitment agencies.
“The City Council has worked hard to turn around the very large volume of grants, and in many cases it has been possible to make payments just a few days after we have received a business’s details.”
Small businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000 and operating businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure premises with a rateable value of up to £51,000 that have not already contacted the council need to act now.
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/business/small-business-grants for more.
Many Worcester businesses will also be exempt from Business Rates for 12 months.
