Watford businesses are being urged to apply for one-off grants worth thousands of pounds as part of a council drive to help the town centre.

Non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses may be eligible for the new scheme.

As part of Project Restart, non-essential retailers can claim up to £6,000, while businesses in the hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors could get up to £18,000.

To be eligible businesses must occupy commercial premises and have a business rates account in their name.

The amount awarded depends on the rateable value of the premises and type of business.

Watford Borough Council explained businesses that successfully applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant and have been receiving automatic payments need to complete a new application to receive the Restart Grant as no automatic payments will be made.

Donna Nolan, managing director at Watford Borough Council, said: “Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford’s economy providing thousands of jobs for local people.

“We know how difficult businesses found the third lockdown so I would urge anyone who thinks they meet the criteria to apply for this funding.

“Our team will be working flat out to process applications and to make decisions quickly so the money gets to local businesses.”

To further support businesses, the council has partnered with social enterprise Wenta to launch a free business support programme – the Business Recovery and Growth programme - tailored to the needs of local businesses and residents across Watford.  

The programme provides free of charge services, including one-to-one business advice, skills training webinars and workshops, access to co-working, incubation space for small businesses and specialist support.  

Applications for the Restart Grant will close on 30 June. Apply now: www.watford.gov.uk/restart-grant.

For more information, visit www.watfordbusiness.com/recovery.