Doncaster Council launches grant scheme to assist economic recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant economic disruption has placed significant pressures on local businesses.

This grant will provide help and assistance to Doncaster start-ups, micro and small to medium businesses affected by the pandemic and the impacts of Brexit to recover and grow.

This new discretionary grant has been established to support the recovery of the local economy and is being administered by Business Doncaster. Eligible businesses will be able to access grants up to £5,000 to help fund projects in the following areas:

• Digitalisation - businesses that are keen to invest in e-commerce technology and software systems. This could include but is not limited to contactless payments, online booking systems, click and collect and new websites.
• Diversification - support for accreditation or certification for businesses who have or need to diversify into other product or service areas due to COVID 19.
• Innovation – to develop a new product and bring it to market.
• Brexit support - additional training and paperwork certification requirements introduced for imports and exports as a result of Brexit.
• Start Ups - support is available for residents that may have been furloughed or unemployed due to COVID 19.
• Premises and test trading - support for test trading to assist with rental charges of a unit, retail premises, small office or a market stall for a period of 6 months.

Chris Dungworth, Head of Business Doncaster said: “The council has made a commitment to support the recovery of the local economy following the huge challenges we have faced during the pandemic and I am pleased that this additional grant will help businesses prepare for a post Covid and Brexit environment.

"Customer expectations are different to what they were and for businesses to succeed they need to ensure they are continuing to adapt. We hope this grant will incentivise businesses and help make this change."

How do I apply?

There will be a monthly call for projects starting 1 April 2021. Potential applicants will need to register their project by calling Business Doncaster on 01302 735555. Eligibility checks will be carried out and qualifying businesses will be sent an application pack and a business advisor will be appointed to support you through the application process.

We anticipate a high demand, therefore, to manage the process throughout, each monthly call will close at 45 applications.

Further information about the grant, eligibility and the application process can be found here https://www.businessdoncaster.co.uk/business-support/covid-19-support/doncaster-council-economic-recovery-grant/

Further information on all the Covid-19 support grants can be found here https://www.businessdoncaster.co.uk/business-support/covid-19-support/covid-19-business-support-grants/