The council has announced that grant funding to support Northumberland-based businesses recover from Covid-19 is still available.

The £1 million Northumberland Covid Recovery Grant fund supports businesses with their plans for projects to help them to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

Grants which are awarded will cover 40% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £6,000 and a maximum of £20,000. This means that projects of values between £15,000 and £50,000 can be supported.

So far around 40 businesses have applied for funding but the scheme is open until January 31st 2022, pending availability of funds - grants will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cllr Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for corporate resources at Northumberland County Council said: “The Council has already issued in the region of £200 million in grant support to ensure as many businesses as possible survived the disruption caused by the pandemic, but we know that many businesses are looking toward long-term recovery.

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"This grant is designed to provide financial support to businesses that have developed projects and plans that will make a big difference to their recovery journey.

“We have also put in place support for businesses through Advance Northumberland and Visit Northumberland, and I urge people to get in touch if they want to discuss their proposals.

“We look forward to seeing more plans coming forward for consideration.”

To be eligible for the Northumberland Covid Recovery Grant businesses must have a significant operational base in Northumberland, employ fewer than 250 people, and have been established prior to 1 April 2021.

They must be able to demonstrate significant adverse impact from Covid-19, outline a credible and costed recovery plan and be able to fund the other 60% of the project costs.