Sheffield Coronavirus response - Business grants

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said:

“It was great to host the first virtual cabinet meeting on Wednesday. As we all adjust to new ways of working and hosting meetings virtually, I’m pleased Cabinet are still able to meet and discuss important matters in our city.

“A key item on my agenda was business grants and throughout this pandemic, businesses have experienced a really difficult time, with uncertainty about the future and what the future might look like. But, I have made it a priority to make sure all businesses across Sheffield feel supported.

“I’m really pleased to say that we have paid over £80 million to businesses so far, and out of the applications we have received, 93% of these has been completed.

“However we know there are still at least 1,000 businesses out there that could benefit from this help.

“We’re working hard to contact these businesses this week, but I’d also like to encourage people to be proactive in applying. We know that if an application is received and has all the correct information first time, those are being processed quickly, so please do get in touch with any questions you may have.

“The council continues to monitor its financial position carefully and is using its reserves wisely. However, we are aware of the financial pressures we will face in the future due to the impact the pandemic has had on us and will address this once we see a return to normality.

“I know it is uncertain times for many, but we will work hard to make sure our economy returns, is thriving, and businesses continue to grow in Sheffield.”