Business start-ups urged to apply for new grant support

New businesses in Carmarthenshire could be eligible for a new grant aimed at helping them with immediate cash flow support.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s economic development team is urging new start-ups to check whether they’re eligible – £300,000 has been allocated to Carmarthenshire businesses, with cash grants of £2,500 up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis from 12pm on Monday, June 29.

The grant has been made available by Welsh Government to provide financial assistance for newly created businesses that are facing operational and financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Businesses must have started trading between April 1, 2019, and March 1, 2020, and have a forecasted annual turnover of less than £50,000.

Applicants must prove that their turnover has dropped by more than 50 per cent as a result of the pandemic, between April and June.

Other conditions apply, and businesses can check if they’re eligible with Business Wales by visiting businesswales.gov.wales where detailed guidance and a fund checker can be found.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council and Executive Board Member for economic development, is urging new businesses to apply.

“This is a new pot of funding that could make a real difference to new businesses that have suffered during the Coronavirus and have not been eligible for any other financial support,” he said.

“We have £300,000 to share out amongst 120 new businesses in Carmarthenshire and I want to make sure that every penny is claimed.

“Small local businesses are so important to Carmarthenshire’s economy – they provide opportunities for employment and growth and we should do everything we can to support and champion them.”