Around 3,300 small businesses across Cornwall are being urged to claim around £33m of unpaid emergency coronavirus grant support before the deadline of Friday August 28.

Cornwall Council has paid out more than £236m from the government’s business support grant scheme since April to more than 20,800 small businesses. In July, the Government announced that the scheme will close on Friday August 28, with any unspent money to be returned to the Treasury.

All businesses in Cornwall in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief are eligible for a one-off grant of £10,000.

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in receipt of Expanded Retail Discount and with a rateable value of less than £51,000 are potentially eligible for a grant of £25,000.

All grants are paid directly to the business by Cornwall Council and do not have to be repaid. If you are unsure whether you qualify or whether you want to apply then please contact us to discuss.

“We were highlighted by the Government for the speed in which we passed this grant on to local small businesses,” said Tim Dwelly, cabinet portfolio holder for economy, culture and planning. “Thanks to the hard work of our team, we had written to more than 24,000 small businesses within days of receiving details of the criteria set out by Government and were the first local authority in the UK to pass the £200m mark in payouts.

“However, we know there are businesses who have yet to apply and I would encourage anyone who believes they are eligible to get in touch.”

Businesses in Cornwall that believe they are eligible for a grant but have not received a letter from Cornwall Council should call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 171.

For all other business support queries visit the?Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub website?for free and impartial guidance about the help available, or call the Growth Hub team on 01209 708660.