Time running out for Burnley businesses to apply for Covid-19 support grants

The government has announced that the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund will all close on August 28th.

The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 16th, and Burnley Council is urging any businesses that have not yet applied for a grant, who wish to do so, to check their eligibility as soon as possible.

Businesses should visit www.burnley.gov.uk/covid19#grantBus to check their eligibility and to fill in the application form if required.

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis, and once the remaining funding is fully allocated, the fund will close and no further applications accepted.

In a further boost to the town, the criteria has expanded to widen the grant to more businesses.

The rateable value has increased to £100,000 for eligible businesses, from the previous level of £51,000.

Burnley Borough Council chief executive Mick Cartledge said: “Businesses in our town have shown great resilience during this COVID-19 crisis and we applaud everyone for their hard work during what has been a difficult time for many in Burnley.

"The three government grants have been a lifeline for many businesses and we are proud that the council has processed £22,486,286 worth of financial support.

"In total, over 2,000 businesses in our town have received some form of funding.

“We want to ensure that as many eligible businesses as possible benefit from the funding available."

In total across the UK, over 92% of eligible businesses have received grants. The grants are been vital to supporting Burnley’s economy, helping the survival of many restaurants, cafes,

hotels, shops and other businesses.