Local businesses in Mendip are being urged to register for a Government grant worth up to £10,000 - before the offer ends.

Hundreds have already applied for the Local Authority Discretionary Grant since its launch last week, but there is a finite amount of money available before cut-off.

The fund finishes at 5pm on Tuesday June 9, prompting Mendip District Council to call on firms to act fast.

The grant is designed to support small businesses not covered by other coronavirus schemes. It's issued at the discretion of local authorities.

A maximum of £10,000 is available per application. The funding is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs.

Businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax, rather than business rates, are being prioritised for the grant.

Leader of Mendip District Council, Cllr Ros Wyke, said: "We encourage small businesses to register for the grant.

"There's only a few days left to run. Get the help you are entitled to, because we want to see our businesses back and our towns, villages and city thriving again."

To benefit, businesses will need to meet strict criteria, including:

1. Businesses must have less than 50 employees
2. Businesses must have been trading prior to March 11 2020, and have evidence of this
3. Businesses have not received cash grants from specified Government Covid-19 schemes to date
4. The business must occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000
5. Local authorities may choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need.

To apply for the grant you will need to be registered on the website here: www.mendip.gov.uk/businessrates. For enquiries email: [email protected].

Remember: registration closes at 5pm on Tuesday June 9. Businesses should start to receive payments during week commencing June 15.