The government has launched a new online platform giving people easy access to free digital and numeracy courses to help them build their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.
The Skills Toolkit offers a range of courses at all levels. It's open to everyone, whether they have recently been furloughed and want to learn new skills and build up their CV, or if they're just keen to keep their mind healthy and skills sharp during this time.
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The Chancellor has announced a new fast-track finance scheme providing loans to help small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus.
Under the new ‘Bounce Back Loan’ scheme:
- Businesses can borrow between £2,000 and £50,000
- The government will guarantee 100% of the loan and there won't be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months
- The loans will be easy to apply for through a short, standardised online application
The scheme will go live from Monday 4 May and cash will be released within days for eligible businesses.
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A programme of coronavirus testing for essential workers who are self-isolating is being rolled out. Find out who can be tested, how it works and what you can do as an employer.
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Register to join a free webinar hosted by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy at 11am on Monday 4 May to find out how small business can access the coronavirus business support measures that have been made available to UK businesses.
The webinar will cover: eligibility for small business grants, applying for a loan, tax, and claiming wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar.
The government has made a full range of business support measures available to UK businesses and employees.
Grants available to charities, the heritage sector, creative businesses, sporting and arts groups, who is eligible and how to apply for one.
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Schemes available through the council
Through local councils, the government has made two grants available to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Additionally, some businesses are entitled to a bushiness rates 'holiday'.
The grant funding schemes are:
- £10,000 under the Small Business Grant Fund
- Either £10,000 or £25,000 under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund
We're urging those businesses who are in receipt of small business or rural rate relief or who are in the retail, leisure or hospitality industry with a rateable value of £51,000 or under to register their details online for their funding to be processed.
► Get details on the grants, check your eligibility and complete the online application form
Business support finder
The government has launched a new tool to help you find coronavirus financial support for your business. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants; this support finder will help you to see what support is available for you and your business.
The BEST Growth Hub is one of 39 growth hubs across England providing support services to Essex businesses of all sizes – from registered start-ups to well-established companies.
You can access expert help and advice to help your business survive the current challenges and thrive in the future.
► Visit the BEST Growth Hub website
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Guidance
► For health professionals, businesses, schools and other organisations on GOV.UK
► For adult care providers
► For food businesses on GOV.UK
► For businesses that want to offer takeaway and delivery
► Suppliers to the council
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