Businesses in Dover District to Receive £26.1m in Grants

Almost 2,000 businesses in the Dover district are receiving £26.1 million in grant funding to help see them through the coronavirus outbreak.  A first wave of grants has been paid this week to eligible small businesses, and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. 

Dover District Council is working to make payments to businesses as quickly as possible. A first batch of payments totalling £3.6 million has been paid to 240 business who pay their Business Rates by direct debit.  A second batch of payments is being prepared for businesses who do not pay by direct debit, but who have provided the required information for the Council to make their payments.

The Chancellor announced a package of financial support for businesses during coronavirus, including:  

• The Small Business Grant Fund is available to eligible businesses in receipt of either Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief (RRR).  Eligible businesses will receive a payment of £10,000. 
• The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant is for eligible businesses in receipt of the Expanded Retail Discount (which covers retail, hospitality and leisure).  Businesses with a rateable value of less than £51,000 are eligible for a cash grant of £10,000 or £25,000 per property, dependent on their rateable value.

Dover District Council is administering a wide range of support to local businesses, with full details of the criteria for both grants schemes available online.  Dover District Council has also funded a dedicated Business Hotline – 03333 602300 – with a team of advisors from the Kent & Medway Growth Hub offering practical help and support.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “These are tough times for businesses in the district, especially so for small businesses and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.  We are working proactively to make sure they have the support they need as quickly as possible.

“At the same time, I’ve also been impressed with how many local businesses have adapted to the current crisis, whether it be keeping business going to supply key services, setting up new home delivery services, or using their resources to help local community initiatives.

“We’re determined to support local businesses so that when the time comes, we are ready to rebuild the local economy as a great place to do business.”