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
Folkestone Works
https://folkestone.works/funding-and-support/business-support/
CBI (Confederation of British Industry)
https://www.cbi.org.uk/coronavirus-hub/support-for-business/
Institute of Directors - support for directors
https://www.iod.com/iod-coronavirus-support-hub
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/
Deloitte article following government funding
Chatter Pack - A list of free, online, boredom-busting resources!
https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home
Disability Rights UK
British Chambers of Commerce
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/
Kent Together
Kent County Council has launched a new 24-hour helpline called Kent Together to support vulnerable people in Kent who need urgent help, supplies or medication. The helpline will provide a single, convenient point of contact for anyone in the county who is in urgent need of help during the Coronavirus outbreak. It is a collaboration between KCC, central Government, District, Borough and local councils, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS, emergency services and other partners to ensure help is at hand for vulnerable people.
If you are vulnerable and have an urgent need that cannot be met through existing support networks, or are concerned about the welfare of someone else you can contact the Kent Together helpline at www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether or by calling on 03000 41 92 92. It is a 24-hour service
General Assembly online learning
https://generalassemb.ly/education?format=events&where=london
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
Emergency Fund for Freelance Creative Practitioners
https://www.a-n.co.uk/about/freelands-foundation-emergency-fund/
Grants of £1,500 – £2,500
Deadline for applications: Applications are accepted from 2pm on Thursday 7 May until 2pm on Thursday 18 June 2020 and decisions will be made on a weekly basis.
