Coronavirus business grants: Discretionary cash grant schemes set to close

Oldham Council’s discretionary business grant schemes will close this Friday (June 4) at 5pm. 

Any businesses who have not yet applied, and think they could be eligible, are urged to submit an application before it is too late. 

The schemes, funded through the Additional Restrictions Grant, were launched to support businesses not covered by other grant schemes and that have been severely impacted by local and national restrictions. 

Since the council launched the schemes in November 2020, officials have helped more than 500 businesses with grant payments of almost £6 million. 

Cllr Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise, said: “These grants have been invaluable to so many businesses across our borough and we have been delighted to support them. 

“Schemes have been launched throughout the pandemic to ensure financial support responds to business needs at various stages of lockdown and restrictions.

"As a result, there are now seven schemes currently in operation – but the application is simple. 

“These grants are here to safeguard you and your business so if you think you could be eligible, please apply as soon as you can. 

"We will assess you for all schemes and award you the grant that best meets your needs. 

“We know the pandemic is not yet over and many businesses are still struggling.

"Further discretionary support will be available, and we will announce future schemes as soon as we can.” 

The discretionary schemes include grants for rate-paying and non-rate paying businesses, including those in shared spaces with fixed property costs such as commercial rent.

It does not cover those running a business from home (apart from businesses eligible for the self-employed grant). 

You will only be eligible for one grant scheme and businesses that have previously been awarded a grant do not need to apply again. 

So that the council can award grants as quickly as possible, please apply as soon as you can and do not wait for the deadline.

It’s really important you submit all supporting documentation required, including bank statements and commercial costs evidence.

This will prevent any delays with your application. 

For more information on the coronavirus business grant schemes, and to apply, visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/businessgrants

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