Brass bands around the UK may be able to access a £10,000 funding boost to help them overcome some of the financial challenges imposed by the on-going effects to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Small Business Grant Fund

The Small Business Grant Fund can be accessed through individual local authorities and in general offers a grant payment of £10,000 according to the rateable value of their properties.

To qualify a business or charity needs to own or rent a property and qualify for Business Rate relief.

Specific information should be obtained by bands in each local authority area, but 4BR has already been informed that a number of bands have already taken the opportunity to fill in the simple application form to quickly receive the payment.

Success

Two such bands have been West of England Championship Section Woodfalls Band and their close neighbours Downton, both of whom applied through Wiltshire Council for support.

Each successfully applied for the Small Business Grant Fund were awarded £10,000 to help with running costs during lockdown.

"To apply for the grant took less than five minutes," Paul Williams, MD of Downton and a percussionist with Woodfalls told 4BR.

"I feel it's important that every band who qualifies, applies as this extra funding could mean the difference between surviving or possibly going under during this difficult time.

I would also like to thank the staff at Wiltshire Council who are obviously working hard through this tough time to process applications so quickly."

To apply for the grant took less than five minutesPaul Williams, MD of Downton and a percussionist with Woodfalls Band

Find out more

To apply simply go to your local Council's website and search for Small Business Grant Fund.

Bands in Northern Ireland need to visit: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/business-support/%C2%A310000-small-business-support-grant-scheme-ni-only