More than £40 million of coronavirus-related grants have been issued to firms across Derby.
The milestone comes as the deadline approaches for small firms to apply for ‘top up’ grants, which are aimed at small businesses and charities who were not eligible for other support schemes.
Derby City Council announced its support package in early April and has now almost completed the processing of grants of £10,000 and £25,000 to around 3,300 businesses, with less than 100 remaining.
However, small firms can still apply for top up grants – but the deadline for applications is this Friday.
The scheme aims to help those struggling to meet their fixed building related costs.
They include creatives such as dressmakers, artists, tattooist, jewellery makers; people who work in digital such as web designers and graphic designers; and those who work in personal services, such as hairdressers, beauty therapists and physiotherapists.
Others who qualify include those who work in professional services, including bookkeepers, accountants, as well as charities/social enterprises, travel-related businesses, children’s day care/nurseries and B&Bs and holiday lets registered for council tax.
For eligible businesses, an award of up to three months pro-rata fixed property costs will be available, up to a maximum of £10,000 total grant.
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Businesses will be required to upload evidence of their fixed property costs for the months of February, March and April, to support their claim. Businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000 are welcome to apply but may not be prioritised.
Councillor Nicola Roulstone, the city council’s cabinet member for finance and procurement, said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached this milestone and have been able to support so many of our businesses here in Derby and while we know things are still very difficult, we hope there is now light at the end of the tunnel as we move out of lockdown and start opening up the city again.
“I encourage those small businesses and charities who have not yet applied to the ‘top up’ scheme to do so as soon as possible so they don’t miss out as the window will close on June 19.”