Are you eligible for a restart grant?
Councils have now opened the “Restart Grant scheme” (from 1st April 2021) which aims to support businesses in reopening safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
If your business is in the ‘non-essential’ retail sector (this includes charity shops) you may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
Alternatively, if your businesses is in hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care or gym sectors you may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000. If you run a charity this may benefit you. For example check your eligibility if your charity runs a scout hut, community hall, garden or other attraction, a concert hall, museums or art gallery.
However, this applies to England only and you need to be paying business rates to get these grants.
You will not be eligible for a restart grant if your business or charity is in administration, insolvent or has been struck off the Companies House register.
You also need to check you do not exceed the permitted subsidy allowance (the Charity Finance Group has more details about what these are here).
Learn more
Check with your local council if you are eligible and can apply. You might also be interested in this article on what was in the 2021 budget for small businesses.