Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Growth Grant. If you query is not answered here, please email us.
Is this fund designed to help businesses that are experiencing financial difficulty owing to the ongoing effects of Covid-19?
Businesses must be trading and solvent to receive the growth grant. This fund is not designed to pay wages or delay any potential insolvency. Businesses must be able to submit a compelling application accompanied with supporting evidence describing business growth.
All businesses will be subject to financial checks at the application stage in line with Government guidance to local authorities.
My business belongs to one of the following sectors who have been severely hampered or affected by extended restrictions – can I apply ?
- Travel and tourism
- Wedding industries
- Nightclubs
- Theatres
- Event Industries
- Wholesalers
- Breweries
- Freelance and Mobile businesses
The Huntingdonshire Growth Grant scheme recognises that there are many businesses that have struggled. This scheme is very clear, it supports growth ambitions of businesses from all sectors.
Some businesses may be growing from a lower financial base as a result of the effects of the pandemic. For these businesses and for those belonging to the sector list above, they must be viable and as such, they will be subject to financial checks.
All businesses from all sectors are welcome to apply and must prove their eligibility by submission of an application that complies with our policy document [DOCX, size unavailable].
If I submit an application with missing or poor-quality evidence, can I apply again?
This application system does not allow you to submit an application without all of the evidence documentation that is set out in the policy document.
Please ensure that you have all of your documents readily to hand before starting your application. Please follow the application form carefully and ensure you have followed our “how to” guide prior to submitting your application.
How long will it take to for my application to be processed?
Please allow up to 8 weeks for your application to be processed, validated, financial checks performed, review and decision of any award.
Can I contact someone to discuss my application once it is submitted?
Unfortunately, this will not be possible as resources are very limited. You can contact economic.development@huntingdonshire.gov.uk if you have any questions prior to making an application. Emails to the above address chasing a decision will not be answered.
I currently pay business rates to the council, am I excluded from applying for this scheme?
No, all businesses from all sectors are available to apply for this scheme, irrespective of whether you pay business rates or not.
I do not pay business rates to the council, am I excluded from applying for this scheme?
No, all businesses from all sectors are available to apply for this scheme, irrespective of whether you pay business rates or not.
My business has already benefitted from previous business grant schemes issued by Huntingdonshire District Council, can I apply for this scheme?
Yes, all businesses from all sectors are available to apply for this scheme, irrespective of whether you pay business rates or not.
Why do I have to submit a copy of my bank statement?
We require a clear copy of your bank statement detailing your sort code and account number to where any award of a grant will be made. This is to avoid unnecessary delays in ensuring your business receives the funding upon a successful application.
Will I need to pay this grant back?
No, however grants received are income to a business and will be subject to tax. Only businesses which make an overall profit once grant income is included will be subject to tax.
Are charities and voluntary organisations eligible for this grant?
No, the purpose of the Huntingdonshire District Council Growth Grant is to help stimulate economic growth for businesses by supporting their financial, jobs and productivity growth to support the wider economic recovery.
I am a home-based business; can I apply for this scheme?
Yes, this scheme is open to all business from all sectors.