Enfield businesses can now apply for help from the Additional Restrictions Discretionary Grant Fund (ARG) which offers financial support to those affected by the current lockdown and have not been eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grants.
Following government guidance, the first phase of the ARG will focus on suppliers to the non-essential retail, hospitality, events or leisure sectors that pay business rates or commercial rent.
Many businesses in Enfield offer crucial services as suppliers to industries that have been forced to close as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the fund will support the borough’s local economy.
In addition, businesses that have been shut due to the lockdown but are not business rate payers, pay rent for a shared space and cannot access Local Restrictions Support Grants are being invited to apply. You can find out more information, read the eligibility criteria and apply at Enfield Council’s Financial Support page.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Cllr Mary Maguire, said: “Enfield Council knows this is a challenging time for local businesses. We urge businesses to check their eligibility for this new round of discretionary funding so they can receive the funding they are entitled to.
“We have looked carefully at the types of businesses in Enfield that have been adversely affected by the pandemic, but have, so far, not been able to get any financial help. We are already developing the second phase of ARG which will include a broader pool of such businesses. Further information on this will be shared soon.”
The deadline to apply for phase one of the ARG is 5pm on 9 April 2021.
Applications are still being taken for the Local Restrictions Support Grants. The window for these grants closes on 31 March 2021, so it's important that any businesses who have not applied, do so as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, more help will come from Enfield Council’s Small Business Hardship Fund. This crowdfunding campaign was launched in the autumn of 2020 and with the support of several larger Enfield businesses, money will be distributed to some of Enfield’s smallest and micro businesses that could have otherwise missed out on any financial help.
Other support measures include a partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses which is providing businesses in Enfield with information to respond to the challenges they are facing due to COVID-19.
For news of future developments on business grants, please sign up to the Enfield Council Information for Local Businesses newsletter.