BUSINESSES in Tenbury that missed out on initial grant support funding to help them through the Covid-19 outbreak, could benefit from a new scheme from Malvern Hills District Council.

More than £17million has been paid out by the council to over 1,500 businesses across the district, as part of a government funded scheme to help companies deal with the impact of the virus.

Many businesses did not receive support though as they did not meet the criteria. The council has now been given another £900,000 from the Government to help as many of those who missed out as possible.

The Discretionary Grant Scheme will pay out grants up to £25,000. The support is aimed at small businesses in shared workspaces, regular market traders with fixed building costs, bed and breakfasts which pay Council Tax rather than Business Rates and charities receiving Charitable Business Rates Relief.

Businesses will also have to show they have suffered a significant fall in their income due to the pandemic and cannot have already received one of the earlier grant support payments.

The council will also use some of the money to support businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector that narrowly missed out on initial funding due to the criteria. It is estimated more than 100 businesses will benefit from the new funding.

“We’re determined to do everything we can to help businesses through this crisis and then to rebuild afterwards,” said councillor Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council.

“Our team have already worked wonders to pay out millions of pounds to companies in just a matter of weeks and this new round of funding will provide a vital lifeline to protect even more jobs and livelihoods.”

To receive the money businesses will have to apply by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/business-covid19. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, June 26.