We're available to help businesses navigate their way through the available support.
If you have any concerns contact our team of advisors:
- telephone 0114 224 5000 or
- email businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk
Latest government guidance
Find out what Government advice is available for your business currently.
Business Productivity Grants
The Business Productivity Programme operates across South Yorkshire, with Business Sheffield delivering support in Sheffield. Advisors work with eligible SMEs to understand and source solutions to productivity challenges, helping businesses navigate a route to increased productivity and growth following the Covid pandemic.
There are grants available through an application process to support businesses to address their productivity challenges.
- the grant can support up to 50% of a business’s total project cost
- the total project cost can be up to a maximum of £24,999
- grants are primarily aimed at capital costs, but some revenue costs can be supported
The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000 to discuss an application and your growth plans.
Digital Innovation Grants
The next round of Digital Innovation Grant applications opens on 1 November 2021 for a time limited period. It closes on 26 November 2021.
The Digital Innovation Grant (DIG) programme supports Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire to develop their use of digital technology.
The Digital Innovation Grant Programme is an ERDF funded project and Barnsley MBC are the accountable body.
There are grants available through a competitive application process. Following a call for applications, completed applications will be assessed for eligibility then ranked according to a number of economic and inclusive growth indicators. The grant funding will be available for up to 50% of the value of an investment, with a minimum award of £1,000 up to a maximum of £5,000.
Applications should be made via Barnsley MBC’s website.
Loans
Rent relief is only available for non-residential council tenants. If you are not a council tenant please do not contact us.
We're providing the following support for council business renters during the pandemic:
Arrears enforcement
- we have suspended enforcement action for arrears under 90 days until 23 August 2020
Exclusions
Action is delegated to the Chief Property Officer on a case by case basis for:
- Ground rents,
- Agricultural rents,
- Telecoms rents and payments
- and any other property type not covered above
Service charges
- will be reduced for tenants where possible to reflect reduced costs of operating buildings (eg due to business closures)
- service charges need to be paid in full unless a deferral is specifically authorised by the Chief Property Officer
We will assess each application on an individual basis, taking into account:
- the type of business and its circumstances
- whether it has been told to close by the Government
- if it is affected by any general restrictions on businesses or movement.
Council tenants of commercial retail, food and beverage and leisure premises
- Rents & Service Charges will be deferred until 29 September 2020 (ie the June quarter for rent)
- all deferrals will be subject to application and assessment
Council tenants of commercial industrial, office and workshop premises
- rent and service charges can be deferred until 29 September 2020 (ie the June quarter for rent)
- all deferrals will be subject to application and assessment
Voluntary/community groups on leases, tenancies or licences with the council
- a further period of rent suspension to 29 September 2020 (ie the June quarter for rent)
Support measures
Business rates holiday
100% rate relief has finished, but some businesses can still get 66% relief until March 2022.
You can find out more on the government's website and you can also contact us at business.rates@sheffield.gov.uk.
Charities support
The Charity Commission has produced advice for the charity sector.
Applications to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund are now closed but the National Lottery Community Fund is continuing to fund projects and organisations supporting communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Statutory Sick Pay relief
Changes have been made to Statutory Sick Pay so that people suffering from coronavirus can take the necessary time off to stay at home or to prevent it's spread.
This scheme is now only open for claims for employees who were off work on or before 30 September 2021. Claims must be made by 31 December 2021.
VAT support
The VAT deferral scheme has now closed. If you are still unable to pay the VAT due and need more time contact the HMRC Coronavirus helpline on 0300 200 3835.