Exmouth marina from the air

Grants for East Devon businesses closing and opening this week: check which deadlines affect you

East Devon businesses are being urged to check details of the latest financial support available to them at eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants. The first grant closes on 23rd December, while others are open or just launched.

It’s the last chance for businesses which have been severely financially affected by national restrictions from 5th November to 2nd December to apply for grant funding. Closing at 5pm on 23rd December, the Additional Restrictions Grant is for businesses which are facing at least a 30% drop in trade, or were forced to close by Government in November and are not registered for business rates. The Council particularly welcomes applications from businesses which work in or supply to the retail, hospitality, leisure and events sectors, as well as East Devon-licensed taxi operators.

Two new grants have been launched this week:  

(1) Businesses which were forced to close under Tier 2 restrictions from 2nd December and are registered for business rates can apply for Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed) V2;

(2) Pubs which receive more than half of their income from drinks, are registered for business rates and are in Tier 2 from 2nd December can apply for a one-off £1,000 payment from the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs.

The Local Restrictions Support Grants (Closed) Addendum is currently open. It is for businesses which were required to close by Government from 5th November to 2nd December and are registered for business rates.

Lastly, businesses which have been severely affected by Tier 2 restrictions from 2nd December and remain open, can register their interest for the Local Restrictions Support Grants (Open) V2. We will contact the registered businesses which are eligible when the scheme goes live in the New Year.

Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said:

At this time of unprecedented economic upheaval and uncertainty, I would urge any business affected by the pandemic to visit our website to ascertain whether any of the grants available suit your circumstances.

Time is running out for applications to the Additional Restrictions Grant but there are 4 other grants either opening, or in the pipeline. Details of these can be found by visiting eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants.

Rest assured, our staff and Councillors will be here to support our local businesses. As you can imagine, demand for these grants is significant but our team is working tirelessly to assist and support wherever we can.

Businesses are asked to be patient while grant applications are processed, due to the huge surge in demand. Please check the frequently asked questions, as we are unable to receive queries by telephone for this grant.

To check eligibility and find out more, visit eastdevon.gov.uk/business-grants