Covid-19 Business Support Resources
This is a list of websites and pages which offer support to Creative and Digital Businesses and Self-Employed people during the Covid-19/Coronovirus crisis.
This page is a work in progress, we will continue to add links to resources regularly. If you have any recommended links that we have not included, please email us at info@creativefolkestone.org.uk.
Please note, we have not vetted the information in these links for accuracy. Please scrutinize all advice, offers and loans carefully.
General guidance for businesses and self-employed
Contact your local MP Damian Collins directly
damian.collins.mp@parliament.uk
a-n The Artists Information Company
Coronavirus Covid-19: Information and guidance for artists and arts organisers
Arts Council England - COVID19 guidance
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
Creative & Freelance ToolKit for Covid 19 (UK) app created by Remi Harris
Folkestone and Hythe District Council COVID19 guidance
https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/coronavirus
Folkestone Works - Business Support for the Retail & Hospitality Sectors in Folkestone & Hythe District
https://folkestone.works/2020/03/measures-to-help-business-update/
FSB National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses
https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html
Government Information about COVID19
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Government Support for Businesses
HMRC Tax Support line
Kent County Council Information
Ray Dodd – Kent-based money and business coach
South East Business Hub
https://southeastbusiness.org.uk/kent-medway/
The Help Hub - compiled and maintained by Folkestone artist Rebecca Mason
https://rebeccamasonneon.com/thehelphub
UK Covid19 Freelance Artist Resource
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Resource Hub
https://www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/resource-hub/
Financial support for businesses and self-employed
Information about the new Self-employment Income Support Scheme
New ACE Grants announced
British Business Bank Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
Government Support - Council Tax Relief
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/council-tax-covid-19-hardship-fund-2020-to-2021-guidance
Government Support – Discretionary Housing Payment
Kent Community Foundation Fund for charities that support older people or other affected communities
IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed – claiming Universal Credit and other relief measures implemented by the government
https://www.ipse.co.uk/ipse-news/news-listing/coronavirus-ipse-activity-and-advice-freelancers.html
Money Advice Service Free and impartial money advice, site funded by the government
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-and-your-money
Money Saving Expert Financial help and rights
Money Saving Expert – See if you are eligible for additional benefits and financial support
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/benefits-check/
Wellbeing, professional development and online festivals
Creative Distance Festival
Leapers – supporting mental health of freelancers and the self-employed
Mind - Tips and advice for coping with stress and anxiety caused by Covid-19/Coronavirus
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Free OpenLearn Courses (from the Open University)
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
Future Learn - Digital Skills for the Workplace (free courses)
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/collections/digital-skills-workplace
Social Distancing Festival
https://www.socialdistancingfestival.com/
Creative & Digital Industries
UK Covid19 Freelance Artist Resource
The Help Hub - compiled and maintained by Folkestone artist Rebecca Mason
https://rebeccamasonneon.com/thehelphub
Creative & Freelance ToolKit for Covid 19 (UK) app created by Remi Harris
a-n The Artists Information Company Coronavirus Covid-19: Information and guidance for artists and arts organisers
Arts Council England - COVID19 guidance
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/covid19
Arts Council COVID Financial Support Grants
