Financial Support For Harborough Businesses Closed Because Of Lockdown

Businesses across Harborough forced to close because of the lockdown can apply for support grants of between of up to £3000.

The District Council is administering the government scheme after being handed £3.1m pounds to distribute.

Non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses affected by the enforced closures, who pay business rates or claim business rates relief, are eligible for grants and payments will depend on the size of the business property.

The council says it is distributing the grants according to a strict national eligibility criteria, and is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply by going online to www.harborough.gov.uk/coronavirus as soon as possible.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We understand this is a very challenging time; these grants will help mitigate the impact of this four-week lockdown on businesses and the local economy. I urge businesses affected to visit our website as we want to get this support funding out as quickly as possible.”

For businesses without a rateable value, which were forced to close, a separate Discretionary Grant scheme, will also be launched soon and details published shortly.

In the meantime, small businesses which feel that they may be eligible, or wish to find out more can email a dedicated email address, to register an interest: Covid19discretionarygrantsupport@harborough.gov.uk and the Council will contact them with further details, as soon as these are available.