ERF Restrictions Business Fund Update

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We have received the following clarification from Brecon Beacons Tourism on the grant funding available for the hospitality sector, for which some SWOAPG Members might be eligible:

“We have received a number of questions relating to the grant funding available for the hospitality and non-essential retail sector – details of the grants available along with a brief description are listed below. Please note that there are 3 funds available each with different eligibility criteria so please check carefully when applying to avoid confusion.”

Fund 1 – ERF Sector Specific Support Fund 

Targeted at hospitality, tourism and leisure companies who are materially impacted with a greater than 60% impact on turnover, as a result of the restrictions introduced from 4th December to 22nd January 2021.

Eligibility

To be eligible, businesses must be:

  • VAT registered;
  • limited companies with a turnover of over £50,000pa and employ staff via PAYE

To check eligibiltiy use the online ERF Checker – https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/sectorspecificgrant/
How to apply – online and administered through the Welsh Government.
When to apply – week commencing 11 January 2021
How long is the support available – applications will be open for 2 weeks or until the fund is fully subscribed.

If I apply for Fund 1 the ERF Sector Specific Support Fund can I also apply for Fund 2 ERF Restrictions Business Fund? – Yes

If I apply for Fund 1 the ERF Sector Specific Support Fund can I also apply for Fund 3, the Discretionary Fund? – No, the discretionary fund is for those businesses turning over less than £50,000 per year.

Fund 2 – ERF Restrictions Business Fund/Business Rates Grant

 
This is targeted at businesses in the hospitality and non-essential retail sector who are in receipt of the Small Business rate relief, and who have been impacted by the new restrictions. Grants of between £3,000 to £5,000 are available. This is calculated on the rateable value of your business.

If you received the Lockdown or Firebreak Grant in October you will not be required to reapply/re-register your details.  You will know that you have been awarded the grant as you will have received an email to say that you are eligible.

However, if you did not receive this grant you will need to apply.

How to apply – online via your local authority websites
When to apply – now, applications are open

If I apply for Fund 2, the ERF Restrictions Business Fund can I also apply for Fund 1 the ERF Sector Specific Support Fund? – Yes

If I apply for Fund 2, the ERF Restrictions Business Fund can I also apply for Fund 3, the Discretionary Fund? – No

Fund 3 – ERF Discretionary Grant


Delivered by Local Authorities and targeted at businesses that are not eligible for the non-domestic rates funding.  Set at £2,000 per business.

How to apply – online via your local authority website 
When to apply – now, applications are open

If I apply for Fund 3 the Discretionary Grant, can I also apply for Fund 1, the ERF Sector Specific Support Fund? – No. 

If I apply for Fund 3 the Discretionary Grant, can I also apply for Fund 2 the ERF Restrictions Business Fund – No

For further information please go to your local authority website or refer to Business Wales FAQs: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/restrictions-business-fund-sector-specific-grant-faq

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