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Plymouth City Council has been given a further £20.3 million to distribute in grants to support businesses during the third national lockdown.
We are working hard to get this money out as quickly as possible and to make the process simple for businesses.
Grants are currently available for businesses that pay business rates and are legally required to close during Tier 3 and the national lockdown. If you do not meet these requirements you may be eligible for discretionary funding and more information about this will be available soon.
If you have already applied for the November lockdown grant (LRSG Closed), you do not need to reapply. You will receive a confirmation email from Plymouth City Council this week detailing the amount of your grant payment, the scheme that your grant is from and the expected payment date.
We have received applications from approximately 60 per cent of eligible businesses, which means around 40 per cent of eligible Plymouth businesses have not applied. If you haven’t already, we would urge you to complete an application as soon as possible. Please note that we are only able to automatically pay those who successfully applied for the second November lockdown grant. This does not include businesses that received grants during the first national lockdown if they have not applied for the second lockdown funding.
If you have not applied for the November lockdown grant, you will need to complete an application form on the Council website. You will then receive all the funding you are eligible for.
What grants are available?
Tier 3:
Plymouth was in Tier 3 for five days and eligible businesses are entitled to a pro-rata payment for this period.
Lockdown business grants:
Plymouth, along with the rest of the country, entered a national lockdown on 5 January 2021. Businesses required to close and which pay business rates are eligible for the following financial support:
Local Restrictions Grant Scheme (Closed) addendum:
Eligible businesses required to close due to the national lockdown will be entitled to receive the following grants to cover the entire 42 day initial lockdown period (5 January to 15 February) :
- £2,001 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under
- £3,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- £4,500 for businesses with a rateable value over £51,000
Closed Business Lockdown Payment:
This is a one-off payment for eligible rate paying businesses that have been required to close by the Government. Payments are calculated based on rateable value:
- £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under
- £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- £9,000 for businesses with a rateable value over £51,000
Additional Restrictions Grant:
If you are not eligible for the above schemes, you may be entitled to discretionary funding.
Applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant covering the November lockdown will be closing on Thursday 21 January and all existing applications will be processed.
A new discretionary scheme will be launched in the coming weeks, with updated eligibility criteria, and we will share more details as soon as possible.
For businesses who haven’t previously applied for grant support:
If you pay business rates and were legally required to close during the November lockdown but have not yet applied for your November grant, you will not receive automatic payment of the new grants.
Please complete the application form on the Plymouth City Council website website as soon as possible.
Applications for the LRSG Closed and Closed Business Lockdown Payment scheme will close on 31 March 2021, with final payments being made by 30 April 2021.
If you believe you are eligible and have applied for a November LRSG grant but do not receive an email from Plymouth City Council by Thursday 21 January to confirm an automatic payment, please email business.grants@plymouth.gov.uk or call the helpline on 01752 308984 which will be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Please see Invest Plymouth Business Grants webpage for further information
The government has spent £280 billion this year on an unprecedented package of economic support to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods, while supporting businesses and public services across the UK.
GOV.UK have put together a comprehensive summary of all the existing economic support available which you can find below.
Find out more here
This is the opportunity for organisations in Plymouth who support vulnerable people to bid for grant funding of up to £10k, under the Department of Works and Pensions COVID Winter Grant Scheme.
On Sunday 8 November 2020, the government announced a significant package of extra targeted financial support for those in need over the winter period.
Funds have been distributed to Plymouth City Council to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to coronavirus between December 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Find out more here
iMayflower is helping Plymouth shout about its culture and creativity offer; develop a long term, sustainable legacy; and provide skills and learning opportunities through events and community engagement. It is also supporting creative sector businesses to become more visible on an international stage.
The project involves working with partners across the city who are developing digital technology – this includes 3-D printing, virtual reality, or immersive technology – all of which help the city expand its expertise in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and digital making.
iMayflower’s array of programmes, activities and events are now more accessible with the arrival of its very own website. Here you will find opportunities to:
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Expand your business by receiving mentoring, support, product development and knowledge exchange.
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Enhance your capabilities with schemes designed to improve your skills in the likes of business, immersive technology and digital fabrication.
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Be inspired as the array of events will help you see Plymouth and the talent we possess in a new light.
It’s an incredibly exciting time for Plymouth’s creative scene so whether you are a local business, student, or enthusiast… iMayflower is confident they have something for you.
Find out how the project can benefit you and your network on the iMayflower website below.
Find out more here
Our #GeddonPlymouth shop local campaign is growing! And we’re looking for more city businesses to “geddon” board. The campaign was launched in 2020 to help small businesses continue to reach their customers and discover new ones during the COVID restrictions. It’s been a huge success. Retail, food & drink, arts & crafts, home & gifts, and services have all benefited, while customers have been able to carry on supporting independent local businesses.
But now, we want to do even more to help businesses thrive and customers to shop safely. Which is why we’re shouting out to small businesses in Plymouth that have an online offering to join in.
What we need you to do
Come up with a special deal for your customers and set up a ‘GEDDONPLYMOUTH’ discount code on your website or food delivery app. It can be anything from money off, free delivery, bonus sample, whatever matches your business.
What we’ll do for you
We’ll share your GeddonPlymouth deal across social media and on our Shop4Plymouth website, where you’ll be included in our Hall of Fame of local businesses. Our team will shout from the rooftops about the amazing places where GeddonPlymouth code gives you a reward for shopping online with locals.
Find out more here
The UK has now left the EU and the transition period has ended.
New rules apply to doing business with Europe following the 1 January 2021 which will see no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods produced between the UK and the EU.
You can find the latest updates and guidance on the Invest Plymouth website, found below.
Find out more here
For further information on the latest events, visit Invest Plymouth's event page.
If you have a Plymouth event you'd like promoted, you can submit your own events here
Fit for Finance Online Workshop
Get Set for Growth | Wednesday 20 January, 9.30am to 12.30pm
This practical workshop is designed to help develop your business plan and understand how to approach funders for suitable business finance.
Find out more here
Meet the Marketing Expert – How to do more with less
Meet the Expert Business Support Programme | Mon 25 & Wed 27 January, 10am
Happy new year from the Meet the Expert Business Support Programme. As we move into 2021 now is the ideal time to carry out or review your marketing strategy plans for the year ahead.
We will be holding two FREE Interactive business advice workshop on how to do more with less to help support your business growth aspirations. The workshop will cover practical tools and tips that you can take away and implement within the workplace.
To find out more about the programme please visit the Oceansgate website. To sign up for the events go to Eventbrite. Please be quick to register as spaces are limited.
Money Sense Online Workshop
Get Set for Growth | Wednesday 27 January, 9.30am to 12.30pm
This workshop is designed to help provide you with practical skills and approaches to successfully raise finance for your business.
Find out more
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