Restart Grants launched this week – a new grant scheme for businesses who were forced to close during the national lockdown to help them reopen safely as COVID 19 restrictions are lifted.

The grants are for businesses who:

• Are liable for Business Rates in Oldham and trading on 1 April 2021
• Are in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care, accommodation, and gym, and sports sectors
• Offer in-person services where the main service or activity takes place in a fixed Business Rate-paying premises.

Applications opened on Tuesday and the council have processed payments totalling £1,688,679 to 218 local businesses so far.  Funds should hit bank accounts on Tuesday next week.

This is a new scheme and businesses must apply – even if they have previously received a Coronavirus business grant.

More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/restartgrants 

Restart Grants discretionary scheme

A discretionary scheme, for businesses in the above sectors that don’t pay rates, has also launched. It’s supported by the Additional Restrictions Grant.  To be eligible, businesses must have fixed property costs.