Gumtree Launches COVID Recovery Fund to Boost Small Firms

A competition has opened for small and micro businesses in Great Britain, with cash prizes to help them make the most of new opportunities as lockdown measures are eased.

The Gumtree Small Business Blast-Off competition is supporting Britain’s small businesses to recover from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its resulting lockdowns, which have restricted normal trading practices.

As lockdown eases, it is accepted that financial pressures on companies will remain burdensome for some time. This scheme aims to help firms on their way back to profitability and help them make the most of new opportunities where they exist.

A range of prizes will be awarded, including £10,000 in cash for the first prize winner and £5,000 for to runners-up. Various supplementary prizes are also provided, including advertising campaigns worth £3,000, free business masterclasses and free Gumtree Pro Accounts.

Small and micro businesses with no more than 15 employees may apply. Businesses must be registered and established in England, Wales or Scotland.

The deadline for applications is 16 May 2021 (24:00 BST).