New small business - unable to get going due to Covid -19 and unable to get any help

Dumbbird

After some advice/help please - we were about to launch a new business at the end of March 2020 but due to the lockdown this had to be postponed. We are paying the rent but we are unable to claim any help towards this as it’s a new business.  Is there anything we can apply for to help us with the rent or something?

Jeremy535897

You could see if the landlord would offer you deferral on paying the rent. I suspect you will not be able to surrender the tenancy in the near future without penalty?
You could ask a bank for a loan, but you will need proper business plans etc.
You should look at claiming universal credit, but think carefully before you do so if you are already claiming tax credits.

Dumbbird

Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for your reply, the landlord wants the full rent, we really don't want to approach the banks at this stage and we have put a claim into universal credit (we are not already claiming tax credits) and they have said we should get something but will not have an answer till end of next week at the earliest.
Also hearing there may be some help coming forward for those that have only just become self employed? 

Jeremy535897

There are rumours, but that is all they are at present. Scotland is apparently going to do something for the newly self employed.