Project: Our partners at Buckinghamshire Business First distributed ten grants to business owners financially impacted by the coronavirus
Grant: £5,000
Fund: Bucks Coronavirus Response Appeal
The UK economy shrunk by an historic 20% in April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with virtually all industries facing severe impacts through lockdown. Despite wide and far-reaching central government support, there are still gaps within this provision; in particular, the self-employed and fledgling companies in their first to second year of trading.
With £5,000 from the Heart of Bucks Bucks Coronavirus Response Appeal, Buckinghamshire Business First were able to distribute ten £500 grants to individuals in Buckinghamshire suffering hardship as a result of business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were distributed as part of their Bucks Covid19 Emergency Appeal initiative.
Grants were awarded to ten individuals within Buckinghamshire across a wide range of industries, with beneficiaries including a food vendor, a beauty therapist, a children’s sports coach, a butcher and a courier, all of whose livelihoods were hugely impacted by the financial implications that the virus has had on the economy.
The grants have not only supported these business owners and self-employed individuals, but also their families. “Feedback from the scheme has been exceptional; there is no doubt that the impact to recipients of the grant is huge”, shares Daniel Cope from Buckinghamshire Business First. “Beyond the financial benefits, nominees also expressed gratitude that they were being sincerely thought of by Heart of Bucks and Buckinghamshire Business First in their time of need, reaffirming just how important their business is to the Buckinghamshire community”.
Here is what some of the beneficiaries said:
“While the money is a massive help and will take a lot of pressure off my finances, even more important is knowing that there are organisations out there who, completely unknown, are looking out for people like me. That is a very humbling thought. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Thanks so much for your email and to all involved in the decision. It is more appreciated than you will know… these really are difficult times for so many small businesses and freelancers”.
“I am deeply thankful for this much needed gesture and for all their guidance over this difficult period”.
“I want to say thank you to you and your team. As I said to you earlier this money will help me greatly in the survival of my business and help me to support my family.”
