£1.75m Government cash safeguards more than 1,400 jobs at 139 businesses across North Lincolnshire
North Lincolnshire Council has supported a further 139 businesses impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak with Government cash - protecting an additional 1,400 jobs and supporting the economic bounce back.
The Government cash was delivered through discretionary grant funding to support businesses which missed out on the previous £35m which was made available.
The funding – aimed at small to medium-sized businesses – was available in grants of £25,000, £10,000 or any amount up to £10,000.
Organisations have been successful in applying for the funding from a range of sectors including charities, hospitality and nurseries and pre-schools. Many community-focussed organisations also received the cash too.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“The funding from the government has enabled us to provide a significant cash boost to many businesses across North Lincolnshire which have been presented with challenges due to the Covid-19 outbreak. We have been able to support businesses with millions of pounds worth of funding to allow them to continue running.
“This has protected the local economy through the last few weeks and months and will support growth and renewal going forward.
“Many businesses not eligible to apply for the original funding back in March could with this discretionary grant – that, I am certain, has been a light at the end of the tunnel for many companies and many people whose jobs have been protected.
“In North Lincolnshire we have a strong business community and we are committed to working with them to help them move forward, protect jobs and the local economy.”
Anthony Reeve from Bottesford Town Football Club, said:
“We are pleased to receive a grant from the North Lincolnshire Council Discretionary Fund.
“In essence it will enable the club to survive while going some way to replace the lost income at both the social club and sports hall, and make a contribution towards the upkeep of their facilities during what is traditionally a busy period for the club both in fundraising activities and essential ground maintenance.”
Restaurateur Michelle Catalano from San Pietro, said:
“On behalf of myself and my husband Piero and the full team of San Pietro, we would like to say an enormous thank you for the support North Lincolnshire Council has shown us.
“Since the lockdown started we have been working hard and fighting every day to keep the business going, however with a business on the scale of San Pietro it has been a mounting battle as we have significant property expenses and fixed costs that don’t stop just because the doors close.
“We are so grateful that North Lincolnshire council has recognised the local economic benefit San Pietro provides, something for which we are very proud. This critical financial support will enable us to secure our 28 jobs and safeguard San Pietro on our long road to recovery.
“We are so looking forward to opening our doors once more and greeting our customers old and new, sharing in their lives and special occasions once again. We have missed you all.”
Further businesses can now apply for a share of the remaining £360,000 as the council has re-opened the application process. Applications are open until Friday, 24 July 2020.
The payments are means-tested and businesses will be assessed on the impact they have faced, ongoing fixed overheads, economic value to the region, sector, number of jobs being safeguarded and financial viability prior to Covid-19.
Supporting evidence must be provided along with the application. For further information or to apply, businesses can visit https://investinnorthlincolnshire.com/coronavirus.