With the city council processing 82% of all business grant applications there is concern that over 1,000 businesses are yet to apply for support during the coronavirus crisis
As a result, city MP Stephen Morgan is backing calls by the council to encourage businesses to check if they are eligible for the support in this way.
The Portsmouth South representative said:
“It is vitally important that the coronavirus economic schemes are effective so that we can protect people’s incomes, jobs and businesses and prevent a deeper and longer-lasting recession. That is why I have been working constructively with Ministers to ensure the best possible package to protect businesses in Portsmouth.
The Government has announced two schemes to provide grants to small businesses, these are the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
These grants are being provided via local authorities such as Portsmouth City Council who are liaising with businesses eligible to administer the funds.
Small businesses in Portsmouth can be supported through this crisis and can be offered hope and a future for themselves, their families and their staff. I urge any city business who have not looked at these grant opportunities to do so”.
£20m has so far been paid out to Portsmouth’s businesses according to the city council, who are administering the local grants scheme.
The city MP has vowed to continue the pressure on the Government to close any gaps in support and will be lobbying the Chancellor again this week on behalf of businesses in Portsmouth.
For more information about business support from the city council call 023 9284 1641 or for details of how to apply visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/businessfunding
