Covid-19: Coronavirus business grant
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We have now distributed £20 million worth of grants to small businesses in Waltham Forest and there are still grants available to be paid. If you haven’t already done so, you may need to act to access a grant and ensure you don’t lose out.
See other sources of funding for businesses and self-employed
How do you access a grant?
We have provided eligibility guidance, which you must read carefully, and an online form for completion by those businesses who understand themselves to be eligible.
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How long will it take to pay a grant?
We aim to process grants to those who are eligible within ten working days, and you should also allow at least three to four working days for the banks to process payment.
Can I ask for an update on my grant?
Please think carefully before contacting the Council about a grant once you have submitted your details. We receive a high number of enquiries asking for updates and responding to each enquiry takes focus away from processing grants.
What if I haven’t received a grant after 14 working days?
If you haven’t received a grant after more than 14 working days from the date you submitted your details, please contact us through this form, providing business and address details. We will look into it and will aim to respond to you within three working days
The Government has released a comprehensive business support tool to help businesses and the self-employed identify what financial support they may be entitled to. Fill out the simple online questionnaire to get a bespoke list of all the financial support your business may be eligible for.
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For those businesses looking to recruit at this challenging time, the Council’s Job Brokerage Service is here to help fulfil your recruitment needs, completely free of charge.
We provide quality staff who are local residents, whether you are looking to recruit entry level or qualified and experienced staff.
Our bespoke service is simple and efficient, taking the hassle of out securing staff.
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New initiatives have sprung up that may help keep your business afloat, such as Save My Local and Pay It Forward. There’s also new advice to make your food and beverages available for takeaway.
Start-ups in London Libraries has officially moved online, with numerous free workshops and interactive webinars now available. These include three core events, such as What next for my business idea?, Get ready for business, and the Marketing Masterclass, all of which have been tailored to provide relevant insights for the Covid-19 period. Book now
Get the latest facts and market information from the Covid-19 Sector Impact Statements from City Business Library and IBISWorld - to get your copy, email cbl@cityoflondon.gov.uk. You can also download useful Industry Guides from the British Library website here.
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The government has extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to employees who started work by Thursday 19 March 2020 and the payments have been extended until the end of June 2020.
You can view an HMRC webinar about the scheme
The scheme enables UK employers with a PAYE scheme to access support to continue paying their employees’ salary for those who would otherwise have been laid off due to COVID-19.
The scheme has now opened to applications.
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Independent retailers are offered three months free membership of British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), in return for a nominal donation to Rainy Day Trust.
Retailers will gain access to all membership benefits including the legal helpline, employment advice, ecommerce support, reducing overheads through group buying and access to their Covid-19 information hub. Sign up
In thinking early about your preparations for reopening, remember to:
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Update your business listing on Google and on your website, including opening hours.
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Display Covid-19 Health and Safety posters
- Take this time to plan for reopening, especially if you’re open to the public, including:
- How will you monitor the number of people in your premises to maintain social distancing?
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Will you need to make any physical changes to your layout or insert Perspex screens to protect staff?
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Do a risk assessment to better understand your business risks
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Businesses in Waltham Forest are continuing to find creative ways to continue responding to the Covid-19 crisis.
Please tag us in any Twitter posts - @wfcouncil - and use #ShopLocalWF and we can help promote your business.
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Future Fund: New funding for innovative new businesses
The government has announced a £1.25bn package to support innovative new companies that are not eligible for existing coronavirus rescue schemes. £500m of which will match up to £250m of private investment and add £550m to an existing loan and grant scheme for smaller firms that focus on research and development. Loans of £125,000 to £5m will be offered.
An eligible company must have raised £250,000 privately in the last five years. Any money put in by the government must be matched by private investors. If the money is not repaid, the government will take an ownership stake in the company.
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The government website gives detailed advice about what financial support is available and which businesses are eligible to receive funding.
Arts Council England’s £160m Emergency Response Package will deliver support to NPOs, organisations and individuals working in the arts.
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Heritage Fund has made £50m available for a Heritage Emergency Fund to support the UK heritage sector.
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This has been a challenging period for everyone, both personally and professionally.
Consider following advice from Mental Health UK. Additional tips provided by the BBC for those working from home include:
- Clean yourself up and get dressed in the morning even if you don’t have video meetings.
- Set your work hours and stick to them – boundaries are essential to avoid burnout.
- Get out and exercise and you will be more focused when you return to your computer.
- Communicate with your peers and colleagues so you don’t feel too isolated. Make calls on your phone, engage with people face-to-face over WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger, or arrange a virtual Happy Hour.
If you’re feeling consistently depressed or anxious, consider contacting Samaritans who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – call 116 123 for free or email
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We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.
You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.
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