Newham businesses eligible for grant of up to £250,000

Applications opened this week (Credit: Google Maps)

Newham businesses can apply for a grant of up to £250,000 to help them recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The local council’s Large Grant Scheme has been developed to encourage businesses to develop projects and activities which fall in line with its eight pillars of recovery strategy.

The scheme will help companies by allowing them to fund a range of activities such as community events in arts and entertainment venues, affordable workspace, business training and support, building skills and employability, responses to the climate emergency, support for young people, and the development of Covid-secure workplaces.

Businesses must demonstrate their plans will help the local economy recover and benefit the wider community.

Councillor Gen Kitchen, Deputy cabinet member for community wealth building, inclusive economy and air quality, said: “I’m delighted that these grants are available to help our wonderful businesses to support themselves and the wider community. The human cost of this pandemic has been truly appalling and includes the impact on our local businesses and employment.

“Since the Covid pandemic arrived, the Council has paid over £117m in grants to over 5,000 businesses and awarded business rates relief of over £100m to 2,800 businesses. These funds have provided a lifeline to them and, as a result, residents and visitors have benefitted from the goods and services they have provided during both the lengthy lockdown periods and since restrictions were eased from April.

“Our Covid-19 Recovery Strategy is focused upon two distinct stages of activity: recovery and reorientation. These large grants will help businesses to reorientate and enable them to embed community wealth-building practices in their daily activities. These grants are essential, as those who know the business community in Newham best will be able to apply for them in order to help our grassroots.”

Applications opened this week and will remain open for at least one month.

Businesses wanting advice should contact the Newham Business & Enterprise Team for further information, advice and guidance on 020 3373 7373 or at OurNewhamBusiness&Enterprise@newham.gov.uk

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