Businesses in the Swadlincote area who have seen a downturn in their trade as a result of the Covid variant and the pandemic can apply for an Omicron Rescue Grant.

South Derbyshire District Council has been awarded a further £161,000 in funding to give out to local businesses in grants ranging from £1,000 to £6,000 depending on whether a business is rated and the size of its premises.

Grants for home, mobile and non-rated premises range from £1,000 to £2,000, and grants for rated business premises range from £2,667 to £6,000.

The grants are on offer to businesses who are not eligible for the Omicron hospitality, leisure and accommodation grant, as well as those who have not recently benefitted from the Events and Festivals grant scheme.

Councillor Kevin Richards, South Derbyshire District Council's Leader, said: "To be eligible for a grant, businesses must be able to demonstrate they have made a loss due to the pandemic and the recent Omicron variant. It's easy to apply and once you have applied businesses will be sent a declaration to complete and will be asked to provide bank statements to demonstrate their drop in trade."

The deadline to apply for an Omicron Rescue Grant is 28 February at 5pm. All grant awards must be made by 31 March.

Councillor Richards continued: "I would encourage as many businesses as possible to apply, as if we do not distribute the funds locally by 31 March, the money will be returned to central government.

"It would be great to distribute as much as possible locally to support local businesses and local jobs into the future, so I urge any business who thinks they may be eligible to find out more and apply today."

The awards will be made on a first-apply, first-awarded basis. When all of these funds have been awarded, no further grants will be payable, regardless of whether businesses were eligible.

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