Small businesses in Medway are being urged to not miss out on the chance to apply for additional grant funding - but need to be quick as the closing date is fast approaching.

Along with other local authorities in the county, Medway Council has a discretionary grant fund for firms with fewer than 50 employees experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the crisis.

And that means it is offering grants of up to £10,000 as part of the government-funded scheme.

The cash, which does not need to be paid back, is open to firms who have not benefited from any of the government's other lockdown support schemes, excluding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which allows staff to be furloughed.

But firms have only until noon next Friday, June 5, to apply for the funding.

Council leader Alan Jarrett said: “Medway has a diverse economy made up of 14,000 businesses of all sizes and some of those will be eligible to apply for this new discretionary grant fund.

"I would encourage small businesses which meet the criteria and are experiencing financial difficulties due to the current coronavirus restrictions to apply to Medway Council for this financial support. We will continue to do all we can to protect our local businesses and strengthen our economy so Medway continues to build a sustainable future with jobs and a variety of amenities on our doorstep.”

Those getting priority will be small businesses in shared offices or flexible workspaces which do not have their own business rates assessment; regular market traders with fixed building costs but no business rate assessment; bed and breakfasts which pay council tax instead of business rates; and charities in receipt of charitable business rates relief.

Successful applicants will receive payments from late June onwards.

To apply see here.

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