Norwich City Council has made £9.9 million in payments this week to local businesses which have been identified as being eligible for the government's small business grants fund.
The £9.9 million equates to around 500 grants, with around 2,500 more expected to be processed over the coming days.
Receiving a government grant is a free and automatic service. There is no lengthy application process and no need for businesses to employ any agency or broker.
However, to speed up the payment process, the council is asking businesses who haven't already done so to fill in an online web form, which can be found at www.norwich.gov.uk/business-support
Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council said: “Our Revenues and Benefits team are working incredibly hard to make sure businesses and residents get the financial support they need during this very difficult period.
"We are delighted that the first vital payments have now been paid to help small businesses and retail businesses in the city.
“If you have not had your payment yet please bear with us as we are working very hard to process the grants as soon as we possibly can.”
As part of additional support measures, the council has also actioned a Retail Relief Scheme which means retail, leisure and tourism businesses will pay no business rates in 2020-21, regardless of their rateable value.
Those businesses affected will receive a revised rates bill to confirm that they will not need to pay any rates for 2020-21. Those businesses that pay by Direct Debit and now qualify for the relief will not have a payment taken.
Read more about the grants and support on offer
Free support and advice for all businesses is also available from the New Anglia Growth Hub, www.newangliagrowthhub.co.uk or call 0300 333 6536.
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