Newham Council has announced that businesses can apply for up to £250,000 of support to help them and the borough recover from the unprecedented economic challenges of Covid-19.
The Large Grant Scheme, part of the Additional Restrictions Grant allocation, has been developed to encourage businesses to develop projects and activities which respond to the eight pillars of recovery outlined in the Council’s Towards a Better Newham Covid-19 Recovery Strategy, which builds on its Community Wealth Building Strategy.
The Large Grant Scheme will support businesses to fund a range of activities, such as community events in arts and entertainment venues; affordable workspace; business training and support; skills building and employability; responses to the climate emergency; support for young people and the development of Covid-secure workplaces.
When applying, a business or association must demonstrate that their plans will help the local economy recover and reorientate, as well as benefit the wider community. Applications opened this week and will remain open for at least one month.
Full details are available on our Additional Restrictions Grant webpage – businesses should check their eligibility before applying.
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 grass roots.”
Businesses wanting advice should contact Newham Business & Enterprise Team for further information, advice and guidance on 020 3373 7373 or at OurNewhamBusiness&Enterprise@newham.gov.uk