Swindon & Wiltshire News
More than 800 businesses apply to Swindon Council for £3.25 million in government grants
More than 800 businesses have applied to Swindon Borough Council for the Government grants announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Council confirmed today (Friday) that it had issued more than £3.25 million in grants so far and continues to work through hundreds of applications for funding for small businesses and those in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.
Councillor Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the economy and skills, said: “We are doing all we can to support businesses through this challenging and unsettling time. The Council has been working extremely hard since these grants were announced to process them as quickly as possible.
“We recognise there are other businesses in Swindon which will not be eligible for these government grants, which is why we have worked closely with our colleagues at SWLEP to offer helpful information and advice to support those who need it.”
Swindon and Wiltshire’s Growth Hub, run by Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), has launched a website with up-to-date information and advice for businesses.
Paddy Bradley, director of Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership continues to do everything possible to protect our economy from the worst effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
“This extraordinary package of funding from the Government acts as a safety net for many local small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is vital we stand with our local businesses and those that rely on them for work and income.”
The Growth Hub offers help and advice around how businesses can protect their employees through this public health emergency, the local support available to businesses in Swindon, and advice on how to access government funding.
Information from Swindon and Wiltshire’s Growth Hub can be found at https://growthhub.swlep.co.uk
