£500,000 to boost re-start and recovery Anchor businesses in Somerset that attract people to visit and support a wider range of local enterprises are being urged to bid for grants to help them re-start and recover from the economic hit of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some affected were able to draw on Government support but many were unable to get the funding – or get enough to see them through the crisis and are now in financial difficulty.
Somerset County Council is launching a £500,000 fund to support strategically significant businesses badly affected by Covid-19 and successive lockdowns.
The scheme – Somerset Business Restart and Recovery Programme – is designed to provide support via a business grant to those businesses/organisations that can show they need extra financial support. Up to £50,000 will be available to anchor events and organisations that are fundamental to the success of other businesses in the wider economy.
These could be organisations that often did not fit neatly into Government Covid support programmes such as multi-purpose venues, heritage attractions, and food/craft events showcasing local produce that attract local people as well as visitors. Although Covid-related restrictions have eased, many businesses are still facing a tough uphill climb on the road to recovery.
The fund opens for applications tomorrow, Wednesday 11 August, with a closing date of 3 September. A dedicated webpage Somerset Recovery Fund hosts relevant information, guidance notes and frequently asked questions. This is the first of the support programmes being launched with more opening for applications in the coming weeks.”
“The past 18 months have been extremely hard for businesses in. I would strongly encourage applications – this is a The scheme is part of a wider £6m package chance not to be missed,” said Councillor David Hall, Cabinet member for the economy, of funding to kickstart Somerset’s economy in the wake of Covid-19. The Somerset planning and community infrastructure. Economic Recovery Fund will include financial support for businesses, financial support for “We want to support our businesses as the individuals and a range of other measures to economy starts to reopen fully after months stimulate the economy and boost the county of not being able to trade or being partially as it recovers from coronavirus. open.” 30
