Businesses eligible for government grants urged to get in touch with council

Swindon Borough Council is urging local businesses and organisations which might be eligible for government grants to apply if they are yet to do so.

In response to COVID-19, the Government announced that grants would be available to some small businesses and organisations, and some of those in retail, leisure and hospitality industries.

Over the last few weeks, the Council has processed over £20m in payments to more than 1,600 local applicants and continues to work through thousands of others.

On average, it takes three working days from the application being submitted to payment being made if the applicant’s company is eligible. Firms which have not received the money within this timeframe are urged to check their My Account timeline on the Council’s website and any emails before contacting the Council as further information may be required.

Today, two lists of eligible businesses and organisations in Swindon which are yet to submit an application have been published on the Council’s website: www.swindon.gov.uk/covidbusiness. The Council will also be contacting as many as possible, where it has email addresses or phone numbers available, in a bid to help as many as possible apply for the grant funding.

Councillor Russell Holland, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Our officers are continuing to work extremely hard to get this funding out to eligible firms as quickly as possible as we know many businesses are currently facing uncertain and worrying times.

“We have already paid these grants to over 1,600 businesses and organisations but want to ensure we reach as many eligible firms as possible. We are doing all we can to make contact but, ultimately, if they do not get in touch and apply for the funding, we will not be able to pay these grants to them.

“With this in mind, I would urge any business owner who has yet to apply to check the guidance available on our website, including the list of potentially eligible businesses and organisations, and get in touch as soon as possible so we can help.”

Karl Paul, Managing Director at Swindon-based digital agency Smarter Media, said: “At a time when there is so much uncertainty and staff are concerned about jobs, it was very comforting to have this level of support so quickly. I’d certainly urge any eligible business owners who haven’t applied to do so because any support that is offered during this time is worth having and it’s certainly given me the confidence that we can get through this period.”

Additional support and advice is available for businesses which may not be eligible for these grants through the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub.

Further information can be found at: www.swindon.gov.uk/covidbusiness