1,146 small businesses in Uttlesford and 1,880 in Chelmsford have received grants as part of the Government’s Small Business Grants Scheme. In total, more than £13.8 million has made its way to small businesses in Uttlesford and over £25 million in Chelmsford.
In recognition of the extraordinary pressures facing small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, the Government launched the Small Business Grants Scheme, backed by £12.3 billion. The funding is provided to local authorities, who are then able to offer grants of up to £10,000 to small businesses, and up to £25,000 for eligible leisure, retail and hospitality businesses. Since the scheme’s launch in March, £6.1 billion has already been paid out to 491,725 business properties across England.
Uttlesford District Council was allocated over £20 million to support 1,734 business properties and Chelmsford City Council over £31 million to support up to 2,623 business properties.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said: “This is a hugely challenging time for businesses, especially for the smaller firms that are at the heart of our local communities across the many towns and villages within the constituency.
“It’s reassuring to know that the support announced by the Government has already reached 1,146 businesses in Uttlesford and 1,880 in Chelmsford and is helping to protect people’s livelihoods and the businesses that may have taken years to establish.
“Following my correspondence with local businesses over the last few weeks, I know these grants will be welcomed and I would like to thank both councils for their hard work to ensure these grants are distributed as quickly as possible.”
