Council launches new £1.1million fund scheme to support Ryedale firms

The additional fund, announced by the Government, is aimed at small businesses with high ongoing fixed commercial property-related costs who haven’t met the criteria of the Small Business Grant, or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Scheme.

Ryedale District Council will award the grants based upon Government guidelines in order to meet local economic need. There will be grants of up to a maximum of £10,000 and for those in exceptional circumstances, a maximum grant of £25,000.

Councillor Keane Duncan, Leader of Ryedale District Council, said: “We have already distributed more than £21.3m in business support grants to over 1800 Ryedale businesses, helping them to stay afloat and protect jobs.

“Ryedale District Council’s new grant scheme aims to support more local businesses, particularly those most acutely affected by COVID-19.

“The latest round of government funding aims to help those who previously missed out, with £1.1 million available.

“There is a short application window, so I would encourage businesses to apply now before it is too late.”

The Government-led scheme gives some guidance about the businesses who are eligible and Ryedale District Council has worked closely with neighbouring North Yorkshire councils to ensure that its criteria for the discretionary aspect is fair.

Because of this, a two-week window for applications will be available, to ensure that the district council is given the big picture around the businesses that need help and meet the criteria.

Priority will be given to businesses in shared spaces, those with commercial spaces, regular market traders, and small charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief – as well as bed and breakfasts that pay council tax (rather than business rates).

○ Visit www.ryedale.gov.uk/business-support for the full criteria and information needed to support a grant application.