We are inviting applications from local businesses for the COVID-19 support grant.

Sandwell Council has £3.362m from the government’s Discretionary Business Grant Fund to allocate to local businesses and it is specifically to support small and micro businesses with high fixed property costs which are not eligible for the other Small Business and Retail, Hospitality & Leisure support grant schemes.

Read more about the grant and how you can apply on the Discretionary Grants' page on Think Sandwell.

Free Funding Information for businesses

Think Sandwell is offering your local business free access to Open4Business – the UK’s leading provider of funding information to the business, voluntary and public sector.

The Open4Business portal is updated regularly with new local, regional and national funding announcements and can be easily searched by businesses on the basis of their industry, region and business size. The portal then provides information on how to apply for funding and contact funders directly.

You can access the Sandwell Open4Business portal with a quick and simple registration but feel free to contact the Think Sandwell team should you require any further support. 

What impact has COVID-19 had on your Sandwell business?

Sandwell Council and the Business Growth Team are urging local business owners to complete a short survey about how their companies have been affected by COVID-19, and what will help them recover.

If you run a business in the borough, please complete the survey, providing information about your company, such as the sector you operate in, the current trading status of your business, how many people you currently employ and your most recent annual turnover and more. 

If you would like a member of the team to contact you about the survey - don't forget to leave your contact details at the end.

July sees further easing of lockdown restrictions

The Prime Minister has announced that from Saturday 4 July pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.

As the economy begins to reopen, it’s important that we do not increase the risk of transmission which is why “close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will remain closed for now.
The Government is continuing to work with these sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become COVID Secure and reopen as soon as possible.

We are constantly updating our Returning Safely to Work webpage with advice and support to get your business ready to reopen, have a look and see what you need to do to be COVID Secure.