GRANTS of up to £25,000 are available to help businesses recover from the affects of the pandemic.

But time is running out to apply.

While many shops and businesses throughout Wiltshire have been resilient, they have weathered closure during the coronavirus lockdown and faced the challenges of reopening.

This included the various safety measures required to operate safely protecting their customers, visitors and staff.

The government grant schemes have been a vital lifeline to many of these businesses, with a one-off grant of £7,000, £10,000 or £25,000 meaning they could settle their bills and adapt for reopening.

These grant schemes close on Friday, August 28.

Businesses that can apply for a £10,000 small business grant, or a £10,000 or £25,000 retail, hospitality and leisure grant must submit their application online by 5pm on Monday, August 24.

Wiltshire Council leader Philip Whitehead said: “Many of our local shops and businesses may feel they have had a very rough time lately. This isn’t surprising. Dealing with the impacts of coronavirus has been extremely challenging and it is a testament to their hard work, determination and sheer courage that they have reopened and are trading once again.

“We have been doing everything we can to support our businesses and so far have given out a total of £92.5 million to around 8,000 businesses in the county. These grants have been vital to our local economy, helping to ensure the survival of shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and many other businesses.

“The grant schemes are coming to an end next week and it is imperative eligible businesses receive the financial support that is available to them before it is too late. If you think you are eligible, please complete the online application form by 5pm on August 24. Once the grants programme closes any unspent grant money has to be returned to central government.

“The funding could provide a welcomed injection of cash for you and your business and even better, it does not have to be paid back, so don’t miss out.”

The Local Discretionary Grant scheme is closed to new applications and those applications that have not yet been paid continue to be processed.

Wiltshire Council has so far paid out over £89 million through the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant supporting nearly 7,500 local businesses. In addition, over £3.5 million has been given to approximately 500 businesses through the Local Discretionary Grant scheme. For more information and to apply online visit wiltshire.gov.uk/business-advice-support-covid19