More businesses in Kenilworth and the wider Warwick district impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic are being encouraged to apply for a discretionary grant though a new scheme being launched by Warwick District Council.

The new scheme, which opens on Monday 1 March, is primarily aimed at rated and non-rated businesses who have been unable to access funding through previous support programmes.

Through the Part E Discretionary Scheme, businesses which meet the following criteria could be eligible for a grant of £3000; 

• Must have been trading on or before 4 November 2020
• Can demonstrate a loss in business due to Covid-19
• Are not eligible for or in receipt of a grant through the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Scheme Part D or Retail, Hospitality, Leisure LRSG scheme

Warwick District Council's Portfolio Holder for Business & Finance, Councillor Richard Hales said: "After almost a year of restrictions and lockdown, we are aware that many businesses in our district are almost on their knees.

Throughout this time the Council's finance and business support teams have worked tirelessly to ensure that these companies get access to any funding available.

"Despite this effort we know that many have been excluded. We therefore hope that this new grant will finally give these organisations the vital help they need."

The council is also introducing a separate new scheme for taxi drivers with more details being announced soon.

For full details of the grant scheme including the eligibility criteria, visit the WDC website.

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 12 March.