Bristol firms hit by Covid-19 restrictions can apply for financial assistance through a new round of discretionary business grants – but should be quick as funding is limited.
The pay outs are specifically for businesses that have been severely financially impacted by restrictions during the city’s Tier 2, Tier 3 and national lockdowns. 
They are open to all businesses across all sectors, including the self-employed and sole traders as well as small or micro businesses.
The latest round is funded through the Local Restriction Support Grants (Open**) and Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) schemes and are for the period from December 2 to next Monday, February 15.
Applications will be assessed against eligibility criteria and the amount of grant awarded will depend on the size of the business or the rateable value of its premises.
Bristol City Council said it was working hard to make sure all our businesses get the financial support they are entitled to during the pandemic.
It has already paid more than 7,300 grants totalling £25,110,708 since November 1.
However, it points out that funding from the government is limited in value and the scheme is likely to be oversubscribed. The application window will be closed once the funding has all been allocated.
To apply, businesses must have identification and documentation as evidence of trading such as sales invoices, an active lease agreement and a business bank account statement.
Businesses that received a payment under a previous ARG scheme will automatically receive a top-up and do not need to apply again.
Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for finance, governance and performance, Cllr Craig Cheney, said: “The lockdown measures introduced in November and the ongoing restrictions continue to severely impact key areas of our economy.
“We back the measures needed to contain the spread of the virus, but we are equally committed to helping workers and businesses get through this incredibly difficult period.
“Bristol’s business community is composed of an incredible range of vibrant independent businesses, events and creative industry experts and hospitality venues.
“They provide thousands of local jobs and are a vital part of what makes our city so unique.
“These discretionary grants, while more restricted in quantity and value than we would like, will still provide support for businesses and protect jobs at this difficult time in the face of this unprecedented crisis.”
Businesses should visit the grant pages to apply.
Business can currently apply for a range of grants including for the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Addendum, Closed, Sector), Christmas Support Payment (CSP) and the Closed Business Lockdown Payment. These grants are intended to respond to previous periods of lockdown or where a business has been forced to close due to the tier system.
