Deadline approaching for grants scheme providing support to hundreds of small businesses in East Suffolk

A grants scheme which has supported hundreds of small businesses in East Suffolk is coming to a close and qualifying companies are urged to apply before the deadline.

The Discretionary Business Grant Scheme launched in May, and since then, East Suffolk Council has paid out £2.5 million to provide financial support to 227 small businesses which were ineligible for the Government's initial round of business funding.

The council said it expects all the money provided by the Government to be fully allocated shortly, so it has set a final deadline of Friday, August 14 for any remaining applications.

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk deputy leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said: “The scheme has been open since May and has supported well over 200 businesses.

"We are confident that the full sum provided by government will be allocated and therefore we must encourage anyone who feels they may still be eligible, but has not applied, to do so as soon as possible.

"As we have said repeatedly, there is limited funding available, and once it is gone, it is gone."

The online form and full details about how to apply with full eligibility can be found at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/business/covid-19-business-grant-funding/.