OLDHAM Council has launched a brand-new grant to support businesses gravely impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions for international travel, leisure, events and the night-time economy.

The new sector support grant is open now and international travel agents, event management companies, night clubs and ticketed live entertainment venues can apply for grants of £1,500, £7,500 or £10,000.

Eligible businesses are being urged to apply as soon as possible ahead of the grant closing on Friday, August 13.

The grant, funded by the Additional Restrictions Grant, will support operational costs and overheads and cannot be used to support wage costs for staff. To apply businesses must submit evidence of ongoing commercial costs.

Cllr Shoab Akhtar, cabinet member for employment and enterprise said: “We’re delighted to launch this latest grant scheme which will support some of the hardest-hit businesses in Oldham – and those which have been subject to restrictions for the longest.

"If you think you could be eligible, please apply as soon as possible. The grant closes on Friday 13 August so do not miss out – it is here to help you and your business at this really difficult time.

“This is the 11th coronavirus business support grant administered by Oldham Council since the pandemic began.

“Seven of these are bespoke to our borough and have been designed by Oldham Council to respond to local business need and support those businesses who were not eligible for the Government schemes.

“To date these discretionary schemes have paid out over £7.5m of much-needed funding to Oldham businesses, who would’ve otherwise fallen through the cracks.”

Priority will be given to businesses that have a high economic impact (jobs) and commercial property costs, are located in the borough of Oldham, operate directly in international leisure travel, the events industry and night-time economy, are solvent and do not face a striking off notice or liquidation, are sustainable beyond Covid-19 and that were trading on October 1, 2020.

For more information and to apply for the grant, visit the Oldham Council website.