Businesses in the Felixstowe area are being urged to get their funding application in as soon as possible.

East Suffolk Council is now processing the additional restrictions business grants for local businesses provided by the Government in a response to new nationwide restrictions.

On October 31, the Government announced that extra funding would be made available to local authorities to enable them to support small businesses outside the scope the existing business grants scheme.

East Suffolk Council has been allocated £4.9 million to fund the Additional Restrictions Grants, and eligible businesses can now apply for grants within this scheme.

The Council has identified five areas as priorities at this stage, aimed at businesses which were not eligible for the Local Restrictions Support Grant, in line with the Government's requirements. T

Other businesses which fall into this category are to be determined by a panel.

Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "We know it has been exceptionally tough for those businesses which have been ineligible for any grants or funding so far, and right now our main priority is to get this much needed financial help to our small businesses as fast as possible."

The online application form and full details about how to apply with full eligibility criteria can be found here.

Meanwhile, promote your business for FREE on Felixstowe Nub News' virtual Christmas market