Support for businesses affected by coronavirus

Where to go for information and support for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

We understand just how worrying the situation is for businesses right now and how important it is to know what support is available. To help you, we have put together the following information and links.

Help from the government

The government has set out a package of measures to support business through this period of disruption. This is an constantly-changing situation, so for the latest advice please see the GOV.UK - Coronavirus business support pages for more information on the full range of support measures available. The government have also launched a new Business support finder tool to help you identify what support is available for you.

Below is a summary of the financial support currently available:

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows you to furlough your staff and they receive up to 80% of their salary - capped at £2,500 a month
• Statutory Sick Pay Relief Packages for SME's will repay employers the current rate of statutory sick pay that they pay to current or former employees for the periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March
• Deferring VAT and Income Tax Payments, temporary changes have been made to the VAT payments due between 20 March and 30 June to help businesses manage their cash flow
• 12 month business rates relief for all retail, hospitality, leisure, estate agencies, bingo halls and nursery businesses in England.  You can find more information on our business rates page.
• Small Business Grant funding of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief. You can find more information and download the application form on our business rates page
• Grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and less than £51,000. You can find more information and download the application form on our business rates page.
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports companies who need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance
• Coronavirus Future Fund supports companies that rely on equity investments and are unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan supports small businesses with a new fast track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% government backed guarantee for lenders
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme support for those self-employed enabling you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months and capped at £7,500
• Protection from eviction for commercial tenants who miss rent payments

Business support

The Recovery Advice for Business scheme

The government and Enterprise Nation have teamed up to give small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and prepare for long-term recovery.  Businesses can get access to bespoke specialist help from professional bodies and trade associations on a wide range of topics. This offer is available until 31st December 2020. For more information please see the Enterprise Nation website.

Enterprise Business South

If you are thinking of starting your own business, or are looking for support to help your business grow, Enterprise Business South has introduced new support packages which will provide you with 12 months support, free for residents and business owners in Rushmoor.

 You will receive:

• An initial one-to-one introduction to discuss your business
• Access to your own business adviser for 12 months
• Access to free workshops and master classes
• Free business toolkit and templates
• Business guides
• Ongoing support via email and Zoom for a full year

For more information on how to get your   Rushmoor voucher [1022kb] , email info@enterprisesouth.co.uk or call 0844 2253130.

Other sources of support

We are working with many organisations across Hampshire and if you would like support please contact one of the organisations below:

• Federation of Small Businesses
• Enterprise M3 Growth Hub
• WSX Enterprise is offering business support /advice to businesses and new entrepreneurs across the region for free. For more information and to book a one-on-one telephone appointment, please email connect@wsxenterprise.co.uk
•  Many organisations are currently offering free webinars on a range of topics such as engaging your furloughed workforce to using video for business. To find out how to register for these, visit the Growth Hub's event page.
• If you are looking for temporary work, we have information on the support available on our Employment support for those affected by Coronavirus page.
• In this time of uncertainty, it is important to be aware of scams and fraudulent calls. The government has produced information on how best to Protect yourself from fraud and cyber-crime
• Rehire Project a new digital initiative to support businesses that have made the tough decision to place their workers on furlough or let them go. This initiative allows employers and workers to stay in contact and re-hire their workers when the opportunity arises. Its online tool is free to smaller businesses, charities and the public sector
• Many business representative organisations and trade associations provide support specialist advice for their sector. You can find the full list of organisations on the  Coronavirus support from business representative organisations and trade associations page on the government's website

Other sources of funding

• Innovate UK coronavirus business support package provides continuity grants and loans for SMEs and third sector organisations that face a challenge in continuing existing projects for which they have an award from Innovate UK
• We have signed up to the Open 4 Business funding website for local businesses. This is a free resource. Once you have signed up, you will have unrestricted access to GRANTfinders' comprehensive database of funding opportunities and business advice services.  This link will expire on 31 October.

Business bulletins

You can also find information and support in our business bulletins and resource guides.

•  Digital skills to boost your business [96kb]
•  Business bulletin 24 August 2020 [288kb]
•  Business bulletin - 5 August [371kb]
•  Business bulletin - 15 July [359kb]
•  Business bulletin - 24 June [226kb]

Connect with the council's Economic Development team

• If you would like to receive updates and information about business in Rushmoor please register .
• Follow us on Twitter.