Businesses across Merseyside could benefit from financial support under a scheme that opens today.
National lockdown and local restrictions have hit many businesses hard.
And while some have benefited from previous funding, others who haven’t met the criteria have missed out on much-needed support.
These businesses, which include non-essential retail, the self-employed, and sole traders, are now being encouraged to apply for financial help from a £40 million Covid-19 emergency fund.
The Hospitality, Leisure and Retail Grants (Expanded Scheme) is open for applications from 11am today (November 30) until 5pm on Friday, December 11.
Businesses must be based in the Liverpool City Region, and have been trading since March 11, 2020, or before.
Grants are simple to apply for and businesses will not have to repay them.
See how coronavirus is impacting your local area by entering your postcode below:
The first round of funding has already seen over £1 million of grant assistance paid to 152 businesses in Sefton alone.
Councillor Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We have seen the impact of the pandemic on our local economy with businesses forced to close at various stages over the past nine months.
“This latest round of funding aims to help those businesses who have been unable to access other national support schemes by providing financial support to enable them to continue trading.”
Grants will be awarded as a one-off payment paid by BACS bank transfer.
For more information, and to see if you’re eligible, go to sefton.gov.uk/covid19business
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