While the government has provided an enormous package of Covid support, many small businesses in Lincolnshire have not been eligible for this.

Lincolnshire businesses also need help to adapt, grow and meet future challenges. So this year, the council allocated almost £12m to support small businesses, including four bespoke business funding schemes.

Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at the county council, said: "It's vital we help businesses recover from sustained lockdowns. Over 1,500 businesses applied in March and we have already given funding to more than 800 of them. We believe we're the only council in the country to offer this."

The Business Recovery Fund provided up to £10,000 to small businesses, many of which hadn't been established long enough to qualify for government support.

Katrina Pierce from the Lincolnshire Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The council has helped hundreds of county businesses keep their heads above water. The other funding schemes will stimulate growth and digitisation across Lincolnshire to aid local recovery too."

Animals at Home

Lexi Jamieson had a clear plan for her business 'Animals at Home Lincolnshire' before the Covid pandemic. Operating in the Horncastle area, she offers home boarding, vet transportation, house sitting and dog walking, and things had been going well. But the pandemic resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in business. "I was unable to access the government's financial support and it looked like we would have to sell one of our DEFRA-approved animal ambulances," explained Lexi. "Then I was told about the county council's business recovery fund. I applied for it and it was a fabulous surprise when I found out I could get it. "I was ecstatic. It took a few days to sink in that we could hold on to both our vehicles and that the business would survive. I am so grateful to the county council, it means we can now continue to develop our business." Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway

A grant of £5,000 to the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway helped the business to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

The historic railway at the Skegness Water Leisure Park was unable to operate any passenger services during what would have been its 60th anniversary year in 2020.

Company secretary, John Chappell, said: "This will be particularly helpful in the construction of the new station building at a time when the railway lost all its income.

"All of us who are involved with this wonderful part of Lincolnshire's heritage are extremely grateful to the County Council's Business Recovery Fund. It will help our trains and passengers steam into the future with renewed confidence, and give a further reason to visit Skegness."