Covid restrictions financial support packages for business open for applications until 3rd November

Businesses who are affected by the latest COVID-19 restrictions are eligible for additional financial support. The funds, available to businesses impacted by the restrictions implemented by the Scottish Government on 9 October 2020, will be administered and distributed by local authorities. Applications must be submitted by 3rd November.

The COVID-19 Restrictions Fund will be available to hospitality and other businesses required to close by law (except for takeaway). That affects businesses in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Ayrshire & Arran, Lothian, Lanarkshire and Forth Valley. It operates as a two-tiered scheme, with a smaller grant of £2,000 for businesses with a Rateable Value (RV) of under £51,000 and a larger grant of £3,000 for those businesses with a RV over £51,000. An upper limit of £15,000 in total will apply to any eligible business operating multiple premises.

A Hardship Fund will make payments of £1,000 or £1500, dependent on RV to businesses that are allowed to remain open but are still significantly impacted by the restrictions, including those in the direct supply chains of firms that must close. This includes hospitality businesses in Fife who are allowed to remain open but are restricted in how and when they trade and it includes producers or wholesalers based in Fife who supply primarily short-life goods or produce to hospitality or other businesses that have been ordered to close. A firm must be able to evidence a minimum 25% reduction in its turnover during the brake period. An upper limit of £10,000 will apply in total to any eligible business operating multiple premises.

The business must have been open and trading before 9 October. The business must have a business bank account. This is the account the grant will be paid into if the application is successful. The business premises must be registered for Non-Domestic rates. Businesses that pay rates through their landlords rather than directly to a Council are eligible to apply (evidence to be provided through copy of lease agreement).

Retail and businesses that provide takeaway food as the core and established basis of their operations are not eligible for these closure or hardship funds. The Scottish Government has also promised some funding for businesses that are affected by the October 9 restrictions but are not covered by the above criteria. It has still to confirm how these extra funds will be distributed.

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ELIGIBILITY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A HARDSHIP FUND GRANT

If your company is based in one of the five parts of Scotland covered by the business closure regulations, visit the local authority website for your area to apply for your grant.

Applications for both funds will close on Tuesday 3rd November at 5pm.