Small firms in Preston could receive urgent funding to survive the coronavirus pandemic

Lockdown restrictions have left many small firms unable to trade or facing very low footfall due to lockdown Pic: Tony Worrall

Small businesses in Preston may be able to claim additional government support.

A new scheme from the government has seen Preston City Council given the ability to pay out up to £10,000 to firms hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund opens for applications from Monday (June 1) and small or micro businesses who were not eligible for previous support schemes can apply.

Leader of Preston City Council councillor Matthew Brown said: “Businesses continue to feel the impact of coronavirus and many have unfortunately missed out on previous schemes.

“This new grant will help provide some much needed funds to those businesses who have previously been ineligible for support. If you own such a business I’d urge you to visit our website and complete the application.”

The city council say they are prioritising the following businesses for funding with an initial £2,000 to be paid out to priority firms.

These businesses classed as a priority are:

Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces
Regular market traders with fixed building costs
Bed and breakfasts which pay council tax instead of business rates
Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates

Other businesses may be considered for the grant in line with local cultural and economic need if they have not previously received funding another scheme.

Firms can apply for the funding through the city council website.