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 updated its support packages. These are detailed below, however this is an ever changing situation, so for the latest advice please see the GOV.UK - Coronavirus business support pages for more information. 

Below is a summary of the financial support currently available:

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30 April 2021. Claims for furlough days in December 2020 must be made by 14 January 2021.  You can no longer submit claims for claim periods ending on or before 31 October 2020
• 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, businesses who deferred VAT due from 20 March to 30 June 2020 will now have the option to pay in smaller payments over a longer period. Instead of paying the full amount by the end of March 2021, you can make smaller payments up to the end of March 2022, interest free.  
• 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.
• Business grants will be available for businesses that are required to close due to either national or local restrictions. Information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on our business grants page.
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports companies who need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance. This scheme is open to applications until 31 March 2021.
• Coronavirus Future Fund supports companies that rely on equity investments and are unable to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. This scheme has been extended until 31 January 2021.
• Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan supports small businesses with a new fast track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% government backed guarantee for lenders. This scheme is open to applications until 31 March 2021. If you have a Bounce Back Loan but borrowed less than you were entitled to, you can top up your existing loan to your maximum amount. You must request the top-up by 31 March 2021.
•  Self Employment Income Support Scheme has been extended.  If you were not eligible for the first and second grant you will not be eligible for the third.  The third grant is worth 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months' worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total. The online service to claim is open and if you are eligible you must make your claim on or before 29 January 2021.
• 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

Business bulletins

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

•  Business bulletin 17 December 2020 [649kb]
•  Business bulletin 26 November 2020 [419kb]
•  Business bulletin 9 November 2020 [337kb]
•  Business bulletin 20 October 2020 [562kb]

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.