Apply now for COVID-19 business grants

Business owners in Hastings can now apply for grants to support those affected by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Hastings Borough Council has been given just over £1.2m for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) to pay out in grants of up to £6,000 to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses. There is also just over £150,000 for the latest round of the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG).
The grants are aimed at businesses who were affected by government advice not to go to hospitality venues in the run-up to Christmas as Omicron cases were rising sharply.
Full eligibility criteria and the policies for both grant schemes are available on the council website. If you think your business might qualify, please read the criteria and the policy before applying online.
The grants will all be paid as one-off payments. The level of payment for each scheme is set out on the website with the policy and application form.
Cllr Peter Chowney, lead councillor for financial management and estates, said: "We know what a negative impact the Omicron variant had on some of our businesses. I'd encourage any business owner who has been affected and who qualifies for the grant to apply.
"The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants are specifically for businesses that operate from business-rated premises, with the criteria for this scheme determined by the government.
"The new Additional Restrictions Grant local scheme is for businesses who were affected by the government advice on Omicron but may not necessarily be operating from business-rated premises."
Applications for the OHLG will close on 14 February, and the ARG will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until the funding runs out or until 14 March 2022