Leader encourages businesses to apply for the Discretionary Grants Scheme before closing date

“This is an exceptionally tough time for so many businesses, especially the small and micro enterprises that characterise Thanet’s creative and independent economy.

“We have had 110 applications to Thanet’s Discretionary Business Grants Scheme from businesses that missed out under the initial grants. We are expecting upwards of 500 eligible applications, so I would urge people to check the qualifying criteria on our website and send in an application before Monday 15 June if they are eligible. When applying, it’s important that you choose the correct category – if you choose the wrong one there is a danger you may be rejected.

“This scheme is part of the council’s ongoing work to help Thanet businesses gain access to all the funding available. Remember that you can still apply if you have received a grant under the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) or claimed Coronavirus Job Retention (Furloughed staff) monies.”

Cllr Rick Everitt.

Important information about the scheme:

• £1.6m funding pot from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy aimed at businesses in Thanet that didn’t qualify for the previous round of grant funding.
• Businesses apply online and the scheme is open until 11:59pm on Monday 15 June.
• Council used its discretion when designing the scheme to try and distribute the money to benefit as many businesses as possible. Those eligible include:
  • Businesses in shared workspaces
  • Bed & Breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates (this excludes properties that operate on the AirBnB platform)
  • Regular market traders
  • Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief
  • Boat charters
  • Thanet priority businesses including Design, Film, TV, Radio, Photography, Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts.
• Applicants need to operate from premises in Thanet; have less than 50 employees and a turnover below £10.2 million; evidence that they have suffered a significant reduction in income and show that they have ongoing fixed costs.
• The council will make a fixed and equal award to all eligible applicants. The size of the award will depend on the final number of eligible applications. The maximum allocation will be capped at £10,000.
• You cannot apply if you have previously received support in the form of a £25,000 or a £10,000 Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant or a Small Business Grant.
• Some businesses have tried to claim under the ‘Other’ category, even if they don’t meet any of the eligibility criteria. Please refrain from doing this – the application will be rejected and it takes up precious processing resources.
• All applications are due to be processed by Friday 19 June, with payments made the following week.

If businesses have any queries, they should email DGS@thanet.gov.uk