More than 1,000 North Somerset businesses have secured their share of £40million to help them through the coronavirus crisis - but another 1,000 are yet to apply.
The Government is offering business rate relief and grants, recognising that many businesses are closed and impacted by the outbreak.
Across the West of England £99million has been handed out, out of a possible £213million.
Giving an update on Facebook Live on April 17, North Somerset Council deputy leader Mike Bell said: “We’ve already started making payments out to businesses.
“About £12million has been paid out to about 1,000 businesses. We’re working hard to make sure the remainder go out in the next few days.
“About 1,000 business have still not applied for any of the support available. It’s really important that we get the message out there that there is support available and businesses need to get in touch and register their claim.
“We need to have bank details so payments can be made. Please do spread the word."
Support for businesses includes rate relief and grants of up to £25,000.
The Government is also offering to pay 80 per cent of the cost of a person’s salary up to £2,500 per month through its job retention scheme.
The latest figures show 1,453 North Somerset businesses have now been awarded £17.4million, out of the £40million initial allocation.
Bath and North East Somerset Council has handed out £12million to 834 businesses.
In Bristol, 4,126 companies have collectively netted £53.3million, while in South Gloucestershire £16.6million has been paid to 1,371 businesses.
Information on how to apply is on the councils' websites.
