CHESHIRE East Council has launched the second phase of the local discretionary grant scheme, which will open for applications at 8am on Friday, June 26.

The council has already implemented a first phase of this grant scheme which closed on June 15, receiving more than 450 applications from small business which are being assessed.

Having received feedback on this scheme a second phase will be open for two weeks to allow businesses to apply for funding. This phase will close at 8am on July 10.

This phase seeks to support a wider range of businesses, including some not eligible in the first phase and the government’s small business grant and retail, hospitality and leisure grant schemes.

Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 may be awarded. In line with government guidance, it is anticipated many grants will be below £10,000 to ensure the fund can benefit a larger number of businesses.

Cllr Nick Mannion said: “The grant will offer a lifeline to smaller businesses which have high ongoing property costs, struggling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Local enterprise is an integral component within local regeneration schemes across the borough.

“It is important to kickstart these businesses to escalate revenue and rebuild consumer confidence.

“Cheshire East is an attractive area for businesses – particularly because of the scheduled infrastructure projects and we want to maintain that philosophy in the aftermath of Covid-19 and continue to flourish.”

However, this funding is limited, which means that as much as the council would wish to, it may not be able to provide a grant to every eligible business and charity that applies.

Cllr Mick Warren said: “This is a welcomed addition to support and bring the local communities together.

“Small business particularly are the backbone of the community and rely on local commerce.

“They will also play a small part to lead safe social interaction within retail and hospitality sectors, in line with government guidance.”

More information, including a full list of criteria and evidence required before an application can be submitted, can be found by visiting cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS