Business has been refused a Growth Support Kickstart Grant

What can you do if you have been refused a Growth Support Kickstart Grant?

The Kickstart scheme is a government initiative to help businesses fund work placements for young people aged 16-24. By introducing the scheme the government is trying to assist young people into the workplace, and boost an economy severely hit by coronavirus.

The scheme is centred around temporary 6-month placements, which are designed to provide key skills for young workers and minimise their risk of being unemployed in the future.

The funding that businesses receive can help them grow following this period of severe financial crisis, but what happens if your business has applied for the grant and been refused?

Real Business Rescue can offer professional guidance on making Kickstart scheme applications, and advise on other options for your business if you’re unsuccessful.

Why has your application been refused?

Less than 30 placements available at your business

One of the key criteria for a Growth Support Kickstart Grant is the number of work placements you can provide. If you’ve applied for less than 30 placements as a single business, the application won’t be accepted.

Instead, you should collaborate with other businesses that are similar to yours, or local authorities, charities, or trade bodies, to reach the minimum number of placements required.

No plan for training new temporary workers

You need to provide supporting information that details the type of training you’ll provide for new workers. These Kickstart scheme placements must be new jobs within your business, but they’re only temporary, and the government expects you to provide specific training that will help a young person find long-term work when the placement ends.

This type of training includes help with their CV, for example, preparing them to undergo job interviews, and providing them with life skills such as good timekeeping, communication, and teamwork.

Been rejected for a Growth Support Kickstart Grant

If you’ve received a rejection letter from the government, it should explain why your business has been refused a Growth Support Kickstart Grant. Based on this explanation and reasoning, you can reapply.

Although you can’t make a formal appeal against the initial rejection, you can make new applications for this grant numerous times. In fact, there are no limits on the number of applications a business can make.

The important factor is to carefully note their reasons for refusing, and understand what you need to do to succeed next time if you decide to reapply. The scheme is set to end in December 2021, but like other government programmes to help businesses during coronavirus, it might be extended.

Seeking professional guidance on the Growth Support Kickstart Grant

If your business has been refused a grant, it’s a good idea to obtain professional guidance before you apply again. An expert and objective view of your application provides you with the best chance of success next time, and you can also access professional advice on other measures appropriate for your business.

These might include seeking additional finance, for example, to support you in expanding your workforce, or applying for other forms of government-backed coronavirus finance to support cash flow at this difficult time.

Real Business Rescue is a major part of Begbies Traynor Group – the UK’s leading independent business recovery specialist. We can provide reliable unbiased advice on the Growth Support Kickstart Grant, and other forms of funding to support your business.

Please contact one of our partner-led team - we offer free same-day consultations and operate a network of offices around the country.