Grant schemes launched to help Basingstoke and Deane businesses deal with Omicron variant

Two new grant schemes to support businesses heavily impacted by the new Covid-19 variant have been launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

To help with challenges for many of the borough’s businesses, the Government has launched a new Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, which will provide one-off grants between £2,667 and £6,000 for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses who are liable for a business rates account.

A new additional restrictions grant has also been launched by the council to provide funding to businesses who would not be eligible for the national scheme or do not have a business rates account.

This scheme is available for businesses in the travel, events, hospitality, leisure, accommodation, personal care and sports sectors as well as taxi companies.

To receive funding, businesses must have been trading on December 30, 2021.

To simplify the process for businesses, there will be one application form for both schemes and the council will decide on which grant businesses are entitled to.

Applications will close at 5pm on Friday, February 18.

For more information on the eligibility of this scheme and to apply, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/COVID-19-business-support-grant