More than £27million paid out to support Chesterfield businesses during pandemic

Businesses have received millions to help them stay afloat during the pandemic.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working hard to ensure that local businesses have received the support they need and has paid out £26,105,000 in small business grants to 2,231 Chesterfield businesses.

An additional £1,302,250 has also been shared with 145 businesses via the Local Discretionary Grants Fund scheme.

The deadline for applications for the grants has now closed.

The council’s economic development team has also provided expert advice and support to more than 300 local businesses and – as a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants – the council has amended rental terms, including rent free periods for some and rent deferral arrangements for others.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We understand that times are exceptionally tough for business owners, so it’s important that we are here to support them in whatever way we can.

“While there remains a high level of uncertainty about what the future holds, we have adopted an ambitious plan to support and rebuild Chesterfield’s economy.

“The Chesterfield Economic Recovery Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough by supporting the town’s businesses to bounce back and helping restore business and consumer confidence.”