We are in the process of assessing applications for the restart business grant and discretionary (additional restrictions) grant.
In addition, we will need to carry out pre-payment checks. This is a new government requirement for the grants that will be paid from 1 April.
We’re working hard to complete the paperwork as quickly as possible and estimate that the first payments will be made from 10 May. We’d like to thank businesses for their patience as we work through all the assessments and checks that we have to do before we can make payments.
The extra process is there to ensure the funds reach all eligible businesses as restrictions are gradually lifted.
We’ve supported around 3,650 businesses with grants for the winter lockdowns and expect to pay a similar number for the new grants, which run until 30 June 2021.
Latest business grants
Non-essential retail such as shops may receive a one-off payment from the government’s restart grant of up to £6,000. Hospitality, leisure and businesses that open later in May could qualify for up to £18,000, depending on the rateable value of their properties.
Discretionary (Additional Restriction) Grants (ARG) will be paid to businesses that have received ARG payments through the second and third lockdowns. This will ensure they continue to get top up payments to support them to re-open.
More information is on our Covid-19 Businesses and Employers web page.
If you are self-employed or the member of a partnership, you may be able to claim a grant from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
The fourth grant from this scheme covers the period 1 February and 30 April 2021 and is calculated at 80% of 3 months’ average trading profits. It will be paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500 in total. How much you receive will depend on your average trading profits.
You can make a claim direct to the government through the gov.uk website.
Important reminder
Business grant payments for the period November 2020 to 15 February 2021.
Please note that 28 April is the deadline for sending us information for grant payments covering the period November 2020 to 15 February 2021.
If you receive a communication from us asking for information, please respond now. We have contacted all affected businesses and are making a further appeal so that we can pay any outstanding grants on 30 April.
It is important we get the information by the end of 28 April so we can process the payment to go out in time. The government has set out that payments must be paid by 30 April. That means we will not be able to make payments for these grants after 30 April.
The deadline does not affect discretionary (Additional Restriction ARG) grants.
More support
Explore what other financial support may be available for your business with the government’s business support finder.
Reset. Restart – a programme of free advice and support for businesses.
From Brighton with Love business support for the EU transition and beyond. See the new video from three of the regions's exporters.
