13 Aug 2020The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged local councils in England to ensure the speedy issuance of small business grants to firms that require them. The business group found that only 23% of councils across England have issued 100% of funds to businesses. The FSB has urged all local authorities to expedite the issuance of funds, whether it be the Discretionary Grant Fund or the Small Business Grants Fund. The FSB is also urging small firms to sign up for coronavirus (COVID-19) small business grants as the deadline for applications approaches. Commenting on the issue, Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the FSB, said: 'Small businesses have been through what for many has been and will be the most difficult period they have ever faced, and while things are slowly starting to improve, we're not out of the woods yet. 'That is why we are making this call . . . for small firms to apply as soon as possible so that they don't miss out on grant funding that could prevent a business from going under.'