Waltham Forest has received Government funding to provide two new grant schemes to support certain businesses affected by the Omicron variant.
One of these grants schemes is now open and receiving applications, the second will open today on 31 January.
- Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant – open for applications until 18 March 2022 (see previous post)
- NEW: Omicron Hardship Grant (Additional Restrictions Grant) – will open for applications on 31 January 2022.
Which grant should I apply for?
Eligible businesses can apply for only one of these grants, not both, so it’s important that you understand the different schemes before applying.
Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports hospitality, leisure and accommodation business premises only. Examples include:
- Pubs
- Restaurants
- Event venues
- Clubs
- Halls
- Hotels
A longer list of examples can be found via the links below.
This grant does not cover businesses in the retail sector, or gyms, hairdressers/barbers along with nail salons.
The activity of the business must take place in a premises that is valued for business rates purposes and the main activity (i.e. it generates over 50% of total turnover from this activity) must be in person services, provided to the consumer, on the premises.
Omicron Hardship Grant (opening 31 Jan)
The Omicron Hardship Grant will be open to certain other business that have suffered hardship as a direct result of the Omicron Covid variant, including:
- Hospitality, leisure and accommodation (that do not have premises valued for business rates purposes)
- Personal care (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, nail salons)
- The travel and tourism sector (including group travel, travel agents and tour operators, coach operators)
- Wholesalers
- English language schools
- Breweries and other hospitality suppliers
- Freelance and mobile businesses (including caterers, events, hair, beauty and wedding related businesses)
- Gyms
Applicants for the Hardship Grant do not need to have premises valued for rates purposes but will be expected to evidence the impact of Omicron on their business.
How do I apply?
Full details for both schemes can be found via the links below, along with instructions on how to apply.
We strongly recommend that you first determine whether you are eligible for the Hospitality and Leisure Grant before looking into the Hardship Grant.