Over 1,200 local businesses receive cash grants
Eligible businesses urged to contact Council
Over half of all eligible businesses in the district who have applied for the government’s coronavirus support grants have now been paid by Dover District Council. The Council has issued 1,277 grants totalling £15,080,000.
The government has made cash grants available to support small businesses and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through the period of disruption caused by Covid-19.
Administered by local authorities, Dover District Council moved quickly to make payments. A first batch of payments totalling £3.6 million was paid to business who pay their Business Rates by direct debit. The Council has written to all eligible businesses and is urging any businesses who are yet to apply to get in touch.
James Pearce who runs the Gamebase store in Dover town centre, said: “The sudden onset of Coronavirus has had a huge impact on us. Closing to our customers just as we expected to get busier has been a huge financial worry. Receiving this government grant so quickly will help us to get through this tough period.
“The council’s regeneration team has offered us a lifeline, informing us about grants; what to expect and when so that we could temporarily close to protect ourselves and our community”.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Trevor Bartlett, said: “Over 1,200 local businesses have been supported at a time when they need our help the most. We are pleased to be able to make these payments so quickly and I am grateful to the officers whose hard work has made this possible.”
Eligible business yet to apply can complete an application online: https://www.dover.gov.uk/Business/Business-Rates/Cash-grants-for-businesses.aspx
Regular updates on the council’s support for businesses and eligibility for grants is available on the council’s website. You can also sign up to Keep Me Posted and receive our regular emails with the latest advice and support for businesses.
Along with local councils across Kent, Dover District Council has helped to fund a dedicated businesses support helpline. For one-to-one business advice, contact the Kent and Medway Growth Hub on 03333 602300 (Monday to Friday, 0830-1700).
Posted on 21 April 2020