The second phase of the Small Business Grant scheme – which extends grant support to all subsequent eligible properties - is now open for applications, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has told the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Forbes also announced a review to examine how Scotland’s tech industry can help the economy recover.
The second phase of the Small Business Grant scheme ensures that - in addition to existing grants of £10,000 or £25,000 for the first property - businesses may now qualify for grants of £7,500 or £18,750 on all subsequent eligible premises.
In addition, retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value up to £18,000 that do not qualify for the Small Business Bonus Scheme, may now qualify for Small Business Grants.
These enhancements, announced in April, are worth an estimated £120 million extra to businesses in Scotland.
Giving an update to the Scottish Parliament, Ms Forbes announced a new short-life review – led by former Skyscanner Chief Operating Officer Mark Logan - to make recommendations on how Scotland’s thriving tech industry can help with economic recovery.
She also re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to pass on the latest £155 million of consequentials to local government in full, and called for the Scottish Parliament to be given additional fiscal powers to help address the challenges facing Scotland’s economy.
Ms Forbes said:
“The Scottish Government is delivering a strong package of business support worth around £2.3 billion, and I am pleased that today marks the opening of the second phase of our Business Grants Funding Scheme, increasing the eligibility for multiple properties within the same business.
“Our actions have been welcomed by the private and third sectors alike, and are making a real difference to people’s lives in Scotland.
Background:
The Small Business Grant Scheme is being administered by local authorities. Businesses can get information on how to apply via their local council.
See links below for local grants:
ANGUS: https://www.angus.gov.uk/business/business_rates/coronavirus_business_support_fund
DUNDEE: https://my.dundeecity.gov.uk/en/service/Coronavirus_Business_Support_Fund
Dundee City Council
Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.
Angus Council
Angus Council works to create strong secure communities, an enterprising workforce, and sustainable development over the range of public services for which it has responsibility. We are a customer and citizen focused organisation and work to deliver accessible, effective and efficient services for the county\'s population.
