Welsh government grants fund tweaked in effort to help more micro-businesses

The Welsh government has announced the next phase of its grants fund for businesses with a change aimed at helping more micro-companies.

The Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) is designed to support businesses, social enterprises and charities which are not eligible for other Welsh government and UK government support schemes.

Over £200m has been provided so far and the Welsh government says businesses will be able to apply for another £100m at the end of June. In the meantime, companies can check online if they are eligible.

In the first round, businesses needed to be VAT registered to apply but that is no longer a requirement if businesses meet other criteria. To be eligible, companies must:

• Confirm that funding from any other Welsh government non-repayable grant funding source is not being pursued

• Not be eligible for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme through the UK government

• Have seen more than a 40% reduction in turnover since 1 March 2020

• Be Companies House registered

• Meet two of the three of the below:

  • Are VAT registered or exempt

  • Employing people using PAYE

  • A turnover of at least £50,000

• Not be eligible for business rate relief

• Have a operating address is in Wales and employees in Wales

• Have a sustainable plan to trade beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

Ken Skates, economy, transport and North Wales minister, said: "This next phase will reach businesses, which have yet to receive funding, but we know it won't reach all those in need.

"We are proactively working on further options, but it is clear we need the UK government to step up and provide the longer-term and additional funding needed to see Welsh business through this pandemic."