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04/02/2022

Business NK Newsletter

Applications are open for the ARG Omicron Impact Grant

ARGOI

Grant funding is available to support direct supply chain businesses servicing the hospitality, leisure and travel sector most likely to be affected by additional Plan B restrictions or the Omicron variant. In addition, support will be given to gym and dance studios, non-rated hospitality and leisure businesses, as well as those who service the wedding industry.

Eligible businesses are asked to provide evidence of cancellations, reductions in capacity or staff shortages over the December 2021 period along with actual or estimated loss for this period. To avoid delays in processing applications please ensure you provide robust evidence at the point of application.

For more information on eligibility please view the ARG Omicron Impact policy, to apply for this grant please see here.

The ARG Omicron Impact Grant will remain open for new applicants until Monday 7 February 2022.


A new festival announced for Sleaford

RiverLight

Sleaford will be brought to life through a celebration of culture and creativity on Saturday 19 March 2022.

RiverLight promises to be a spectacular festival, celebrating and welcoming people back to the high street, showcasing our wonderful local community, and helping Sleaford to re-build stronger after the pandemic.

You can expect imaginative artworks, performances, street theatre, music, competitions, trails, dance, puppet shows, food stalls, light projections and more!

The River Slea is at the heart of the festival and a creative trail around the town will take visitors to four zones where artists, businesses, retailers, schools, community groups, venues and landmarks have worked together to create inspiring projects and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Making use of the funding awarded to North Kesteven District Council through the Government's Welcome Back Fund, RiverLight will promote the safe and enjoyable return into our town centre following Covid restrictions. 

The Hub is working with a community-based team to organise the event and is busy confirming the full festival programme.

For more details, follow @riverlightfestival and keep your eye on the webpage here. Look out too for fringe events, workshops, community activities, and shop and cafe offers in the lead up to it. 


Discover Lincolnshire weekend

Discover Lincolnshire Weekend (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March 2022) is a part of Visit England’s annual English Tourism Week. It is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business to residents and visitors. 

The weekend is open to all Lincolnshire attractions, retailers or food and drink establishments. By participating in Discover Lincolnshire
Weekend 2022, you will benefit from increased visitor footfall, online presence and social media activity.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover what your venue has to offer with the aim of recommending to friends and family for a return
visit in the future. To get involved please email hello@visitlincoln.com with details of what you have planned. 

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is still open for applications. The primary principle of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is to support businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. 

Businesses will need to apply to Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant to receive funding under this scheme, Government have instructed that no automatic payments are to be made through this programme.

The scheme will close for applications on 28 February 2022 and all final payments will be made to recipients by 31 March 2022.

To apply for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant see here, please ensure that you upload the correct documents requested, failure to do so may result in delayed payment of the grant due to the additional administration required.


Free support for North Kesteven businesses

The Council offers the service of a Business Support Adviser, Phil Means. Phil can assist businesses and provide bespoke advice and support.

If you are in business and feel you could benefit from free business advice please contact him. Either call Phil on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk


Is your business on social media?

If so, join our Business NK group here or follow us on twitter. We share information, support and advice on each platform.


Webinars for the weeks ahead

08/02/2022 14:00-15:00 Take your Website to the World: Platform, Providers and Preparing your Website Brief | Business Lincolnshire

08/02/2022 11:00-12:00 Payroll and employment tax matters - a topical update and refresher

10/02/2022-17/02/2022 09:00-16:30 NBV | Starting in Business | Online programme | Business Lincolnshire

15/02/2022 09:30-13:00 How to access external funding for your business - grant funding session

15/02/2022 14:00-15:00 Take Your Social Media To The World: YouTube for business