Council grants offer crucial boost to businesses

Businesses are being encouraged to apply for Birmingham City Council 's Additional Restrictions (ARG) Omicron Fund and the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant before they close for a much-needed cash boost.

Birmingham City Council has received more than £8.3 million from Government to support businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors in England with one-off Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant of up to £6,000.

The amount of funding will be based on the rateable value (RV) of the premises:

• £2,667 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under, or those not on the Rates system
• £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £50,999
• £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000

Businesses must ensure that all supporting evidence is included and that applications are submitted by Monday 28 February 2022 via Birmingham City Council 's website.

Businesses that have been severely impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and do not qualify for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will be able to apply for a one-off ARG Omicron grant, the value of which will be calculated using the equivalent Rateable Value as above.

Non-rate payers will be eligible for the grant, though will only qualify for the lowest band of funding.

To be considered eligible, each business must: be based and trading in Birmingham; be actively trading before 21 December 2021; employ up to 249 employees; have been severely impacted by restrictions or by the Omicron variant; provide in-person close contact services, excluding the travel agents and tour operators who have been directly impacted by travel restrictions.

Eligible sectors include those in the hospitality and leisure sector who are not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, personal care, and travel agents and tour operators.

Previous ARG beneficiaries will be eligible for consideration if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis and subject to availability of funds.

Erin Henwood (pictured), policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Many businesses across Greater Birmingham have experienced an incredibly challenging few months. As such, it is crucial that those eligible for the ARG Omicron Fund and the OHLG scheme as soon as possible to take advantage of the support on offer whilst it is still available.

“The details of these schemes, and other support mechanisms available to firms in the Greater Birmingham area, can be found on our Covid Support Grid. ”

To find out more and to apply for the ARG Omicron fund, please visit Birmingham City Council 's website.