Birmingham hospitality and leisure firms can now apply for grants of up to £6,000

Hospitality and leisure businesses in Birmingham who have been impacted by the Omicron Covid-19 variant can now apply for a share of the £8.3m funding that has been allocated to the City Council.

The Government announced the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme to help businesses in these sectors who had been hit hard by the new variant.

Firms in hospitality and leisure can now apply for one-off grants of up to £6,000, depending on their rateable value.

Businesses will need to submit an application via Birmingham City Council 's website.

They must ensure that all supporting evidence is included and that applications are submitted Monday 28 February.

Henrietta Brealey, CEO at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “After a promising Autumn, the impact of Omicron on consumer confidence hit businesses in key sectors hard. The trade lost over the critical Christmas period will be felt by many in the hospitality, live events and visitor economy sectors for months to come.

“We are pleased that the Government responded to calls from the Chamber, Birmingham City Council and other partners to provide financial assistance to those hardest hit by the latest developments - it is now vital that money reaches businesses that need it the most.

“We are urging eligible businesses to make an application as soon as possible. We will continue to work with our members, partners and stakeholders on raising awareness of business conditions on the ground and the response needed locally and nationally to keep business moving through this latest phase of the pandemic. ”

The Government also announced more than £100 million worth of discretionary funding for local authorities to support other businesses who had been impacted by Covid-19 but were not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme.

Birmingham City Council is currently in the process of assessing the criteria for the discretionary funding and will provide details as soon as possible.

Visit Birmingham City Council 's website to find out more about the support they are offering local businesses.

Check the Government 's website to see if you are eligible for support.