But an estimated 7,900 small businesses in Cornwall and 86 on the Isles of Scilly have yet to claim the £89m that is still available. The Council is now urging them to get in touch so the grants can be paid.

Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for culture, economy and planning, said: “The Council has written to every business that we believe is eligible. If you think you are entitled to support but have not received a letter, or you have been unable to check the post because your workplace is closed, then please contact us immediately.

“This is emergency funding from Government that we are distributing to around 24,000 qualifying businesses. We have been working day and night to get it out the door because we know it is desperately needed by many small businesses impacted by the pandemic.”

All businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief are eligible for a one-off grant of £10,000.

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in receipt of Expanded Retail Discount and with a rateable value of less than £51,000 are potentially eligible for a grant of £25,000.

All grants are paid directly to the business by Cornwall Council and do not have to be repaid. If you are unsure whether you qualify or whether you want to apply then please contact us to discuss.

So far the Council has paid out £182m to businesses in Cornwall and £3.32m to businesses on the Isles of Scilly, and has been praised by the Government for the speed with which it has distributed the funding.

There is still £88m in grants available to support eligible businesses in Cornwall, and £935,000 available for businesses on the Isles of Scilly.

Businesses in Cornwall that believe they are eligible for a grant but have not received a letter from Cornwall Council should call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 171. Businesses on the Isles of Scilly should call the Council of the Isles of Scilly on 0300 1234 105.

For all other business support queries visit the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub website for free and impartial guidance about the help available, or call the Growth Hub team on 01209 708660.