Grant funding available for non-essential retail businesses

Non-essential retail businesses occupying premises in Bridgend county borough that were forced to close due to alert level four restrictions can now apply for a grant from the Restrictions Business Fund.

The Welsh Government launched the fund to support businesses that have been directly impacted by the additional restrictions put in place on 4 December to control the spread of Covid-19. Applications opened for hospitality firms before Christmas and are now open to other eligible businesses.

The Non Domestic Rate Grant is available to businesses that occupy a business premises and are liable to pay business rates. It can be accessed by non-essential retail businesses that have been forced to close, hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses and their supply chain, and retail businesses with qualifying Small Business Rate Relief properties that can evidence greater than 40% reduction in turnover as a result of the new restrictions.

For further information, please read the Restrictions Business Fund Non Domestic Rate Grant Guidance document.

From Monday, 4 January, non-essential retail businesses who previously registered and received a Non Domestic Rate Grant through the recent firebreak lockdown funding will receive an automatic payment.

Applications are now open for eligible businesses that did not receive a firebreak lockdown grant. These include non-essential retail businesses that have been forced to close, businesses who occupy a business premises linked to the hospitality sectors and some retail businesses that can demonstrate a material impact to their trading activity as a result of the additional restrictions introduced.

Eligible businesses that have been affected by this latest set of measures are encouraged to apply for this financial assistance. The fund can provide businesses with cash flow support and to help them survive the economic consequences of the restrictions introduced.

We kindly ask businesses not to contact the council to check on the progress of an application – we understand the importance of ensuring these applications are assessed as quickly as possible but the whole process can be delayed when dealing with businesses checking on their status.

Deputy leader Hywel Williams

To apply for grant funding, visit Bridgend County Borough Council’s business support webpage.

All applications will be considered on an individual basis and payment of the grant is at the discretion of Bridgend County Borough Council.

Applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis. This may lead to applications not being appraised after they have been submitted if the fund is fully committed. Applicants will be notified of this by email.