Stockport coronavirus grants total £23.5 million to 1,900 businesses so far

Stockport Council has helped more than 1,900 businesses in the borough receive a combined £23.5 million in funding through grants issued by the Government in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the Government’s announcement in March, small businesses who receive Small Business Rate Relief are eligible for a £10,000 grant.

A second grant scheme focuses on the retail, leisure and hospitality sector. This second scheme will pay a grant of £25,000 to eligible businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 and a grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 and below.

As of 10am on Thursday, April 9, Stockport Council has:

• Awarded grants to 1,908 businesses in the borough
• In total, £23,505,000 of grants have been paid out

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said council officers had been working incredibly hard to ensure the coronavirus grants reached Stockport businesses as soon as possible.

Once the funding had reached us from the Government, our team were busy processing the claims straight away.

“We have processed more than 1,900 applications, totalling almost £23.5million but we still believe there are businesses out there that are eligible for the grants. 

“I am also aware of businesses that are unsure if they are eligible for a business grant, particularly if they pay business rates through their landlord or in a property that has recently applied for a rateable value.

“We are working to get clarity on this from government in the hope those businesses do not fall through the net.

“If you are eligible – or even think you are – and you have not applied, I am urging you do so as soon as you can.

“We know how hard this crisis is hitting businesses in Stockport, and we want to do everything we can as quickly as possible to support them and help with the cash flow issues they are experiencing.”

Eligible businesses can submit their application online.

To help you with your grant application, all the information you need so Stockport Council can process your application quickly and accurately, is found on your business rates bill.

If you have already made a claim, please bear with Stockport Council’s team while they process the payments.

More information on the support available for businesses in Stockport is available from Stockport Council’s website.