Hospitality Support Scheme Moves Closer For Harborough Businesses

Plans for a new grant scheme to support hospitality businesses across Harborough District are moving forward.

The £500,000 Hospitality Grant Fund would offer grants of between £5,000 and £25,000 to pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses for capital improvement projects.

The scheme by Harborough District Council will now be considered by councillors before applications open.

Deputy Council Leader Phil King told HFM the initiative is designed to support a sector facing tough economic conditions.

File pic by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

Businesses will be required to provide 25 per cent match funding, with the grant covering up to 75 per cent of project costs.

To qualify, applicants must be based in the Harborough District, pay business rates locally, have been trading for at least 12 months and operate within the hospitality sector. Sole traders, as well as micro, small and medium-sized businesses employing up to 249 staff, will be eligible to apply.

The proposals have been welcomed by the Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Chamber President Gareth Thomas said the funding would provide a much-needed boost for local businesses: