The SNP Government has awarded £388 million to businesses in Scotland, according to the latest figures published today, which highlight the volume and value of grants awarded under its ‘Retail, Hospitality & Leisure’ and ‘Small Businesses’ coronavirus grants schemes.
At close 21 April 2020, local authorities in Scotland reported that over 72,000 applications have been received for the SNP Government’s two business grant schemes. Of these applications, 33,176 to the value of £388 million have been awarded.
Eligibility for the grant scheme is linked to the non-domestic rates system:
A £10,000 grant is available to non-domestic ratepayers with properties in receipt of:
· Small Business Bonus Scheme relief (SBSS) or Rural Relief
· Nursery Relief, Disabled Relief, Business Growth Accelerator, Discretionary Sports Relief, Enterprise Areas Relief or Fresh Start but eligible for SBSS
A £25,000 grant is available to the ratepayers of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with property with a rateable value between £18,001 and £51,000.
This grant is targeted at supporting small businesses and medium-sized businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, which are liable for non-domestic rates in order to maximise the number of businesses we can support. Charities are also eligible for grant funding.
Applications for grants on additional properties will be open from 05 May 2020. In addition to the 100% grant on the first property, ratepayers will also be eligible for a 75% grant on each subsequent property that meets the criteria for each grant.
The Scottish Retail Consortium has welcomed the progress of the scheme. Director David Lonsdale, said:
“These grants provide urgently needed support for retailers operating smaller shops who are trying to weather the crisis, particularly those deemed non-essential and currently in hibernation.
“It’s vital that Scottish Ministers continue working closely with business over the coming weeks, and strive to ensure support gets to firms on the frontline as quickly as possible.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“The Finance Secretary has listened and responded to calls to extend the retail grants scheme and this will help retailers get access to the cash they need to keep afloat, aiding high streets across Scotland left reeling by coronavirus.
”However, what is important is action, with almost half of those submitted processed by 21 April, the SNP Government is putting its money where its mouth is and helping our businesses, their proprietors and staff.
”I urge any eligible business in North Ayrshire that has not yet submitted an application to do so now.”
ENDS
