We know there’s a lot of information to digest when checking your eligibility and applying for the various business grant schemes.

We’ve listed some of the questions we’re being asked most often here, in case it helps answer any of yours.

We’re updating this page regularly to reflect the latest information we have, so please check back before calling.

IS MY BUSINESS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING SUPPORT?

Please take a look at our business grants page which is updated with the latest grant schemes we’re running. You should read the guidance notes thoroughly for each scheme before applying.

I APPLIED FOR A GRANT BUT HAVEN’T HEARD ANYTHING YET. WHAT DO I DO?

The closing date for each scheme is stated in the guidance notes. Please wait until that date has passed before contacting us.

If you still haven’t heard anything 10 days after submission, please email us and include:

• the name of the scheme you’ve applied for
• your business name
• your application reference number
• your business rates number (if applicable) and
• the date of your application

We’re processing hundreds of applications from businesses across South Kesteven so this information will help us deal with your enquiry more quickly. We aim to respond to you within 5 working days. Please also check your spam folder in case our reply is caught by your filter.

DID YOU RECEIVE MY GRANT APPLICATION? I’VE NOT HAD ANY SORT OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT SO DON’T KNOW IF I FILLED IT IN PROPERLY?

You should see a reference number when you start your application. If you didn’t see this, or haven’t received an automated email to confirm your submission, then please email us. We aim to respond within 5 working days.

I’VE BEEN TOLD I’M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT – BUT HOW DO I FIND OUT WHY?

Please refer to the scheme guidelines to assess your eligibility before applying, to save time and disappointment.

If you apply for a scheme that you’re not eligible for, we’ll have to decline your application and will provide a reason when we contact you by email.

I’VE READ YOUR WEBSITE AND GUIDANCE NOTES, BUT STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND IF I’M ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM – WHO CAN I ASK?

Please use the charts above to assess your eligibility and read the scheme guidance. If you’re still unsure, please email us and we’ll help to clarify things for you. We aim to respond within 5 working days.

ARE THE DISCRETIONARY GRANTS FOR ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS THAT DOESN’T PAY BUSINESS RATES?

No, any discretionary schemes that we operate are created to provide targeted support for businesses that need it most. The eligibility criteria is set using information fed back to us from local businesses, so it’s important to tell us if you’re severely impacted and not eligible for any grant funding at present by completing the  Covid Impact Statement on our business grants webpage.

Please read the guidance notes for any discretionary scheme to fully understand whether your business is eligible to apply for support.

I WASN’T AWARE OF THE LOCKDOWN GRANTS, CAN I STILL CLAIM A GRANT FOR NOVEMBER?

The LRSG (Closed) scheme is now closed. Please take a look at the grants page to see if you’re eligible for any other business support schemes.

I’M NOT SURE IF MY BUSINESS HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE, WHERE CAN I CHECK?

Please check the Government’s list of businesses that have been instructed to close, here.

I HAVEN’T BEEN INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE MY BUSINESS, BUT THERE’S LITTLE TO NO TRADE. CAN I CLAIM ANY HELP?

If your business is severely impacted by the pandemic then please tell us. Please complete the Covid Impact Statement on our business grants page to share details of your individual situation and evidence your need for support.

We may be able to use this information to help you (and businesses in a similar position) in the future through new discretionary grant schemes.

WHERE ELSE CAN I LOOK FOR GRANTS IF I’M NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE ONES ON YOUR WEBSITE AT THE MOMENT?

Take a look at our Finance & Funding page, there are links to various financing routes and the Government’s support finder tool.

WHEN WILL ANY NEW GRANTS ANNOUNCED BY GOVERNMENT BE AVAILABLE ON THIS WEBSITE?

Guidelines and procedures will likely be sent to us from Government in the period after any announcements – the latest information will be uploaded to our website as soon as possible. Check the top of the page to see when the last update was made.

I CALLED AND LEFT A MESSAGE WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK?

Our phone lines are managed remotely and are extremely busy at present. Call backs are being processed within 5 – 7 days.

Where possible, please email the business support team in the first instance and include your business name, address and business rates number (if applicable). We aim to respond to all enquiries within five working days.

I WANT TO FIND OUT ABOUT WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR STARTING OR GROWING MY BUSINESS

We’d love to hear about your new business ventures or growth plans. Please email our business support team with as much information as possible:  business@investsk.co.uk