Leicestershire County Council has launched a £750,000 fund to help small businesses recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund is offering grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 to help businesses survive the downturn in areas such as developing online sales and diversifying into new product areas.
The initiative is run with money from the Leicester and Leicestershire Business Rates Pool.
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Coun Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “Leicestershire’s business owners, entrepreneurs and local high streets are having a really tough time.
“And we’re committed to helping them get back on their feet in any way we can, so that the economy of Leicestershire can continue to grow and prosper.
“I encourage all county businesses to look into whether this fund could benefit them.
“The county council is on the side of businesses and we are working hard to support them now and for their ongoing success and development.”
Grants are open to businesses with 50 employees or less.
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Neil McGhee, chairman of the county’s Business Gateway Growth Hub board, said: “It is great to see this additional support for local businesses that have struggled to access the grant support already available.
“The Business Gateway Growth Hub has taken many enquiries from businesses that are looking for government support and are seeking help to survive.
“We are pleased to add this grant funding to the other finance and business support that we list on our website and would encourage eligible businesses to apply as soon as they can.”
All small businesses are encouraged to apply including those from the tourism, retail, agriculture, and creative sectors.
Businesses that apply will initially have to talk through their business plans with an advisor who will be able to help with their application.
There is currently no deadline for applications, but businesses should apply as soon as possible as funding will be allocated at a first come first served basis.