How to apply for a Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
The Government has made several announcements on support to businesses affected by Coronavirus.
You may be able to make a claim if you fall into one these categories:
- Support to be provided to those businesses that pay little or no business rates because of small business rate relief or rural rate relief by way of a one-off grant of £10,000 being provided to help meet ongoing business costs.
- A grant of up to £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.
Examples of the type of businesses that may qualify are florists, chemists, grocers, newsagents, greengrocers, opticians, hairdressers, barbers, pubs, coffee shops, gyms, takeaways, caravan parks, hotels, petrol stations and garden centers.
To check your eligibility please go to:
If you require assistance in completing the form please contact Revenues and Benefits on 03000 268 997 or email businessrates@durham.gov.uk.
Occupiers of business units (where you are not the rate payer)
Businesses who occupy business units in retail centres, but are not named as the rate payer, may still be eligible for the small business grant. We recognise that some businesses pay rates as part of their tenancy agreement therefore, if you are able to demonstrate you occupy a property and were trading on the 11th March 2020 you can register for business rates. Once registered, you will be eligible to apply for the grant.
Please send your information or questions to CED@durham.gov.uk, clearly titled Business Rates Enquiry.
Payment of grants
Once we receive your application for the COVID-19 Business Grant Funding Schemes - Small Business Grant Fund or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund we will let you know, if you are eligible we will make payment to the bank account you have provided.
Please note: you may receive payment before you receive notification from us. However, you will clearly see on your bank transactions that the payment is from 'DCC'.
We will notify you if you are not entitled to a grant. In order to qualify for a grant you must have a current business rates account.
