Coronavirus has had a massive impact on the way that we live our lives and in turn has impacted businesses all over the world. Here at Business in Maidstone we want to provide you with the information you need to support you through Covid-19.

Please note that the small business rates grant, retail, hospitality and leisure grant and discretionary grant schemes have now closed. If you are in need of further support please contact the Coronavirus Business Support Helpline on 03333 602 300.

Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme will help small and medium businesses affected by Covid-19 to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000. The government will guarantee 100% of the loan and there will be no fees or interest to pay for 12 months. 

More information and eligibility can be found here


Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
The Business Interruption Loan Scheme is in place to help SME’s and larger businesses by offering loans up to £5 million. This scheme will close on the 30th September 2020.
Information and guidance on this scheme can be found here


Kent and Medway Business Fund Loans
New loan schemes have been announced.
Information can be found here 


Paying your staff's wages
A Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is in place to assist employers who need support paying their staff through this time.
Information on how to access this scheme is here
You can apply for the scheme here

There is also a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs.
More information and guidance for employers can be found here 
To find out if you can claim back the SSP through Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme go here


Help with Tax
Self-assessment tax payments are being delayed until January 2021. 
You can find out more about VAT deferral here
If you are struggling to pay your tax you can call HMRC helpline on: 0800 024 1222


Support for self-employed and sole trader
The Chancellor has announced support for people that are self-employed. 
The SEISS (Self-employment Income Support Scheme) will provide a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
The HMRC will use the average profits from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to calculate the grant.
More information can be found here

FAQs regarding the scheme can be found here

You may also be able to claim Universal Credit if you are on a low income and out of work
information and guidance can be found here 


Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus
There is advice for employers about social distancing in the workplace across a range of sectors here.

NHS Track and Trace for businesses
A new Covid-19 app will be launching on 24th September, find out who needs to display the code, how to get a code and access to useful resources.

Kent County Council Business Survey
Kent County Council are asking businesses to complete a questionnaire. Any data collected will inform them on future (financial) business support and recovery schemes 
To complete the questionnaire go here


Further advice and guidance
Please call 03333 602 300 to speak to someone on the Coronavirus Support Helpline provided by The Kent and Medway Growth Hub 
You may also use the live Covid-19 Business Support Hotline Chat provided in the bottom right of this website from 9:00 - 17:00.
To keep up to date with the latest information, please sign up to our newsletter, which we are using to communicate guidance and updates as and when they happen.
You can also visit the Government's Business Support site for more information