We would strongly recommend applying as soon as possible when the Fund opens at 10:00 am on Monday 5 October. Photo credit: Shutterstock
Further guidance and an FAQ document on the Fund has now been released and can be found on Business Wales’ website, and the eligibility checker (which should lead to the application system when it opens) can also be found on the Welsh Government’s website.
We would strongly recommend reading the guidance and FAQ’s before submitting an application and applying as soon as possible when the Fund opens at 10:00 am on Monday 5 October, especially if you’ve received zero or minimal support from the UK Government Covid-19 schemes to date.
Key guidance on applying
We hosted a meeting for members with Gerwyn Evans from Welsh Government on the fund, and here are some of the key points from that meeting (although please read the guidance document and FAQ’s as well):
- If you have any accessibility issues that might prevent you from completing an online application form and/or if you need it in a different format then call the Business Wales helpline on 03000 6 03000.
- You need to submit all the information required or your application may be rejected.
- The Fund provides for a fixed grant of £2,500 rather than funding directly linked to loss of earnings.
- It’s important to note that you need to provide proof of work between April 2019 and July 2020 AND/OR proof of work cancelled between April 2020 and March 2021. There are examples of what could be provided as proof of work or cancelled work in the guidance document, and we would advise members to provide evidence across their full portfolio of work (e.g. for teaching and performing work), and to provide a reference/referee in the absence of detailed evidence or as a backup option.
- You do not have to sign up to the Freelancer Pledge in order to receive funding.
Take action now
Join our urgent call to the Government to do more, in order to safeguard the future of the UK’s music culture and industry – ask your MP to make your voice heard in Parliament.
You can use our template letter if you’re not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too – personal stories make all the difference.
Write to your MP now.