COVID-19 Grant Funding Schemes

Small businesses in Babergh and Mid Suffolk can now access one of three Government business grants to help with ongoing costs during the coronavirus crisis:

• Discretionary Grant
• Small Business Grant Fund
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Fund

You can only apply for one of the grants listed above.

Discretionary Grant

The first phase of the Discretionary Grant is now closed for applications.

We are still in the process of reviewing applications from phase one, so if you have a claim reference but have not yet heard from us about whether you have been successful, we will be in touch in due course.

The criteria for the second phase of the Discretionary Grant will be released in July.

If you have any queries about the Discretionary Grant, please email the Economic Development team or phone 01473 296444.

Applications for the small business and retail, hospitality and leisure grant funds are still open.

 

Scheme 1 – Small Business Support Grant Fund

£10,000 will be given through the support grant to:

• properties in receipt of rural rate relief
• properties in receipt of small business rate relief

Exclusions to Small Business Grant Fund

• Businesses whose rates are calculated with the small business rate relief multiplier, but who do not receive small business rate relief, will not be eligible
• Business properties which are occupied for personal use, such as private stables and loose boxes, beach huts and moorings
• Car parks and parking spaces
• Businesses which as of the 11 March were in liquidation or were dissolved

Read a copy of the Small Business Support Grant letter sent to businesses

Application for the Small Business Grant under Scheme 1

 

Scheme 2 – Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant Fund

£10,000 will be given through the grant to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of £15,000 or less.

£25,000 will be given through the grant to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of over £15,000 and under £51,000.

Exclusions to Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant Fund

• Business properties which are occupied for personal use, such as private stables and loose boxes, beach huts and moorings
• Car parks and parking spaces
• Businesses which as of the 11 March were in liquidation or were dissolved
• Properties with a rateable value of over £51,000
• Only one grant may be awarded per property

Read a copy of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant letter sent to businesses

Application for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant under Scheme 2

 

If you need further information please see the Government business support grant funding website.

All grants are subject to state aid rules, any grant funding paid may be reclaimed if it does not comply with state aid rules.

Information is also available on the full range of support for businesses and employers announced by Government on the Government business support website

We have been informed that some companies are charging fees to complete the application on behalf of small businesses. We are not charging any fees for this grant and urge any business owners to contact us with any queries about the application process:

Email the Business Rates Team for queries about the Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants

Email the Economic Development Team for queries about the Discretionary Grant