AROUND 10,000 businesses in Cornwall have already received £116 million in grants as part of a Government scheme to help companies survive the coronavirus crisis.
Another 3,500 businesses have applied to Cornwall Council over the last three days for a business support grant – a fund set up by central Government and administered by the local authority.
In the coming weeks Cornwall Council expects to see around £281m go out to small businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector.
Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning,?said businesses who apply for the business support grant by midday on Tuesday,?April?7?should?receive payments by Thursday.?
’Our team is working hard to make sure grants are paid as soon as possible and it’s a testament to their commitment that around 10,000 businesses had their payment sent within two days of the Government funding being made available,’ he said.?
Any businesses that have received a letter to say they are eligible but have not yet registered are urged to do so without delay so as to benefit from the cash.
Ann Vandermeulen, Cornwall Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “We have had lots of calls from worried businesses wondering how they will pay bills, their staff (still at work or furloughed) and how they will survive during this time where there is a huge hole in their income.
’These grants, that they don’t have to pay back, will simply be a lifeline to many and could even be the difference between continuing to trade in better times or shutting the doors now and forever.
’Cornwall Council really are to be commended on their proactive approach.’
?For more information on applying for a business support grant visit?www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus?or call 0300 1234 171.?