A new Restart and Recovery fund, which will be available from Wednesday 2nd December, will help businesses who have been unable to trade conventionally during the Covid-19 lockdowns adapt using technology and other initiatives.
Businesses will be able to apply into the £1.1m Restart and Recovery support fund to implement more effective ways of working, trade online or employ initiatives to build customer confidence.
Applications for funding must be made for specific items such as homeworking aids, specialist software or sales platforms. The funding can also be used for businesses to work with specialist consultants to provide professional advice or to gain accreditations to build customer confidence. The funding must cover the whole cost of the materials/service applied for.
Whilst the new scheme is open to most sectors, businesses who have been unable to benefit from the national government grants scheme are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes businesses operating from people’s homes, tourism and visitor economy sector businesses.
Grant payments will be awarded between £1,000 and £3,000 and no contribution from the business is required. The money cannot be utilised for anything that is a legal requirement, such as being Covid-secure and ensuring social distancing.
On behalf of all South Yorkshire local authorities, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council are distributing the Restart and Recovery Fund to businesses in the region. Applications will open at 9am on Wednesday 2nd December.
Businesses should act now before applications open to prepare the detail and gain the relevant quotes that will be needed when applying. Applications are on a first come first served basis.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “Covid-19 has brought a massive shift in the way that businesses are able to operate, and as we continue to live with the virus it is important that they are supported to make the most of digital channels, technology and other initiatives whilst many premises are closed or customer numbers severely limited.
“I’m really proud of the resilience and innovation our local business owners have demonstrated, but it’s essential that they have access to the initiatives they need to make this change effectively and to expert guidance where they need it.”
