COVID-19 update: Business Grant application form now online

In the Budget on 11 March 2020, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to provide support for businesses to ensure the impact of coronavirus is minimised.

In Stratford-on-Avon District there could be up to £33m available to businesses.

Government funds are not expected to be available to Stratford-on-Avon District Council until the middle of April. In a real example of 'thinking out of the box' and focused, swift and effective collaboration with Warwickshire County Council some funds are now available to the District Council to start the process of beginning to make payments to local businesses in urgent need. This week has seen a great deal of preparation; it is not a small exercise.

The Small Business Grant Fund (SGBF) is administered in Stratford-on-Avon District by the District Council, it provides a one-off grant of up to £10,000 to help small business owners meet their operating costs.

Only businesses in England are eligible for SBGF and businesses can only claim once, even if they have multiple business premises.

Businesses that are eligible must have been in receipt of small business rate relief (SBRR) or rural rate relief (RRR) on the 11 March 2020. Those small businesses whose premises have a rateable value between £12,000 and £15,000 and receive tapered relief also qualify.

Businesses whose property includes those also for personal use are excluded, along with car parks and parking spaces. Any business in liquidation or dissolved on or before 11 March 2020 are also excluded.

Businesses are being asked to complete the online application to qualify for the grants - Business Rates Grant Form

Please note: To protect business from fraudsters the District Council will not be asking for bank details over the phone, we will be directing them to completing the online form.