Outdoor market traders hit by lockdown in Sandwell to get cash boost
Outdoor market traders hit by coronavirus can now apply for a share of £100,000 in business grants – after Sandwell councillors gave the green light for extra help.
Sandwell Council's cabinet has approved setting up a scheme using unclaimed government grants to help local businesses during the lockdown.
Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said the new cash would benefit businesses that missed out on the first round of funding.
She said: “I am very pleased about this report because I was aware that we had a couple of business areas that hadn’t been able to make use of this previously and to me this is really, really good.
“We will contact those traders and lease holders and hopefully they will be able to take advantage of this money which is available.”
Presenting the report, officers recommended councillors approve the scheme which is open to those who were unsuccessful when applying for support in June.
The cash injection is part of the Government’s Discretionary Business Grant (DBG) which has paid out £2,260,000 to nearly 300 traders and companies.
Asking the cabinet to back the scheme, council officers said “In order to maximise support to Sandwell businesses and utilise the funding available it is proposed that the DBG scheme is broadened to target two business categories – outdoor market traders and Sandwell lease holders.
“Both business categories already financially transact with the council and will therefore enable grant awards to be made swiftly and ensure compliance with the time scales.”
Market traders selling non-essential items reopened their businesses in June but many complained they hadn’t received any financial support during the lockdown.
