RYEDALE District Council (RDC) is urging eligible businesses to apply for financial support before the Covid-19 grants come to an end.

The council has launched a third round of the discretionary grants scheme, with £75,000 available to small businesses in the district who have missed out on previous grant schemes.

In addition, nearly £1.5 million is still available under the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

These were launched by the government in response to the pandemic and will only be open until August 28.

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of RDC, said: “It’s been our aim during this crisis to support lives and livelihoods, particularly those most acutely affected by Covid-19, and we’ve been leading the way in getting the business grants out of the door to those that are eligible.

“RDC has already distributed more than £23.5m in business support grants to over 2,000 Ryedale businesses, helping them to stay afloat and protect jobs.”

Cllr Duncan added: “Now, with the two grants coming to a close this month and a short application window for the third round of funding for the discretionary grant scheme, it’s time to act.

“If you’re a businesses in our district in need of support, see if you’re eligible and apply, before it’s too late.”

A third window for applications for the discretionary grant scheme opened on Monday and will close at midnight on August 19, 2020.

This round is once again aimed at businesses who have so far been ineligible for a grant under any of the existing government schemes.

Eligible businesses need to have been trading on March 11, 2020, can operate from domestic or commercial premises and have seen a significant reduction in income as a result of Covid-19.

Businesses trading from commercial premises must have a rateable value or annual rental/mortgage payment of no more than £120,000.

RDC will award the discretionary grants based upon Government guidelines in order to meet local economic need.

There will be grants of up to a maximum of £5,000 for those in exceptional circumstances.

Small businesses eligible for help under the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund can also apply for grants.

£10,000 grant funding is available to eligible businesses in receipt of small business rate relief, retail relief and rural rate relief.

A grant of up to £25,000 is available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000.

For more information on the business grants available and an application form, go to ryedale.gov.uk/business-support