A GRANTS scheme which has seen Maldon District Council pay out almost £14.5million to small businesses and self-employed people is coming to a close and any qualifying company is urged to apply before the deadline at the end of this month (August).

The Discretionary Business Grant Scheme has been a great success in supporting local businesses and self-employed people to cope with the effects of the pandemic and since its launch in May, the council has paid out £14,480,000 providing financial assistance to 1,244 small businesses which were ineligible for the Government's initial round of business funding.

There is a final deadline of Monday, 31 August for any remaining applications from businesses throughout the Maldon district.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "We are currently reviewing discretionary grant applications made in the last seven days. If businesses applied prior to 1 August and have not heard from us about their application, they should contact us as soon as possible.

"If they believe they are eligible for a small business grant or a retail, hospitality and leisure grant and they have not made an application, they should do this right away as those schemes will also be closed at the end of the month."

For more information on how to apply, visit the Maldon District Council website