So far, £20,216,000 in COVID-19 support grants from the SNP Government have been awarded to 1,949 businesses and newly self-employed people across North Ayrshire, as of 27 May.
North Ayrshire Council (NAC) has worked hard to process these grants swiftly, on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
So far, 1,699 Small Business Grant applications have been awarded £16,750,000 while officers continue to process incoming applications as fast as they can.
Support of £3,230,000 has been awarded through Retail, Hospitality and Leisure applications to 132 local businesses.
118 awards were made under the Newly Self-employed Hardship Fund, with successful applicants receiving £2,000 each to help support them during the pandemic, totalling £236,000 in support.
Eligibility for the grant scheme is linked to the non-domestic rates system.
As reported earlier this month, the SNP Government extended the Small Business Grant scheme to include properties in receipt of any Charitable Rates Relief or Sports Relief, but are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme.
This means the £10,000 Small Business Grant is now 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
• Charitable Rates Relief or Sports Relief
The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure 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 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 opened earlier this month, enabling ratepayers to, in addition to the 100% grant on the first property, apply for a 75% grant on each subsequent property that meets the criteria.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“I am delighted that in the face of this pandemic, over £20 million in grants has already been awarded to businesses and entrepreneurs across North Ayrshire.
“NAC officers have been doing a mountain of work, processing applications - which often require additional information - and should be commended for their commitment to undertaking this as quickly and efficiently 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; charities, eligible sports clubs and newly self-employed entrepreneurs in particular, as they may not have had a chance to do so since the scheme was extended.”
Applications can be made via the NAC COVID-19 Business Support website.
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