Grants from the SNP Government to help businesses survive the coronavirus pandemic totalling £13.87 million have been awarded to businesses across North Ayrshire, as at close of 28 April 2020.
North Ayrshire Council (NAC) is processing these grants on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
A total of 1,702 Small Business grant applications have been received to date. Of these, 1,152 have been successful, with awards of £11.52 million and 72 unsuccessful. NAC staff are working hard to process the rest as quickly as possible.
Of 127 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure applications received, 94 have been successful and 34 unsuccessful, with £2.35 million 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 or Rural Relief
• Nursery Relief, Disabled Relief, Business Growth Accelerator, Discretionary Sports
Enterprise Areas Relief or Fresh Start
This grant is targeted at supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, liable for non-domestic rates in order to maximise the number of businesses supported. Charities are also eligible for grant funding.
A £25,000 grant is available to the ratepayers of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors for property with a rateable value between £18,001 and £51,000.
Applications for grants on additional properties will 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.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“I am delighted that £13.87 million in grant has already been awarded to businesses across North Ayrshire. This is due to the hard work of NAC staff who are processing applications - which often require additional information - as quickly as possible.
“Through these Grants the SNP Government is helping our businesses, providing the cash they need to stay afloat and aiding high streets left reeling by coronavirus.
”I urge any eligible business in North Ayrshire that has not yet submitted an application to do so now.”
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