BUSINESSES in Oswestry could be eligible for a grant of up to £18,000 after a new government scheme was launched.

The new scheme is aimed at helping the economy bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic, and eligible businesses can claim payments of between £2,667 and £18,000.

Those that have successfully applied and received funding from the most recent round of the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) will receive a verification e-mail from Shropshire Council asking them to confirm some additional information before the money is processed.

Eligible businesses from across Shropshire can apply for the funding.

Shropshire Council’s business growth and inward investment manager, Matt Potts, said the council is determined to ensure the economy in county bounces back.

He added: “We are delighted to be getting this whole new wave of funding out to businesses across the county.

“We are making the process as simple and as easy as possible by ensuring that businesses who have successfully applied before do not need to do so again.

“But they will receive an email asking for details to be confirmed so keep an eye out for it as the money can’t start hitting accounts until this is complete.

“We are proud of the fact that we have managed to get more than £130 million out of the door to support Shropshire businesses so far and this new funding will take that total to a whole new level.

“Shropshire Council is dedicated to ensuring the county is the perfect place to start and grow your business and ensure it thrives.”

Businesses which have not yet successfully applied for LRSG but are eligible for the new fund can find further information by visiting the council’s dedicated restart grants webpage at https://shropshire.gov.uk/covid19restartgrant

The restart grant scheme supports businesses in reopening safely as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Eligible businesses in the non-essential retail sector may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.

Eligible businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.

Businesses may be eligible for the grant if they are; rate-paying, in the non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care or gym sectors or trading on April 1, 2021.

You cannot get funding if your business; is in administration, insolvent or has been struck off the Companies House register or if it has exceeded the permitted subsidy allowance.

You must notify the council if your situation changes and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria.