A new top-up to the grant support available for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses across Scotland closed by level 4 restrictions has been announced by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.
Since November 2020 retailers in Scotland whose businesses have been affected by coronavirus restrictions have been able to apply for support from the Strategic Framework Business Fund. In most cases, eligible businesses that have already applied for the 4-weekly payment from the Fund will receive an automatic top-up in January 2021.
The top up is a one-off grant of:
• £9,000 for larger retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
• £6,000 for smaller retail and leisure businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
• £25,000 for larger hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £3,000
• £6,000 for smaller hospitality businesses on top of the 4-weekly £2,000
Businesses that haven’t yet applied for either of these funds should submit an application as soon as possible through their local authority website.
Ms Forbes said, “Crucially this essential funding will help to close the gaps in UK wide support for these impacted sectors. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply through their local authority if they have not done so already.”
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) said:
“Shops and high streets across Scotland have been left reeling by coronavirus. These enhanced cash grants for retail business are a financial lifeline which will help non-essential stores through the current phase of being unable to open and trade.
“There isn’t a taxpayer-funded support scheme which can replace the potential losses of store closures, so it is very encouraging that the Finance Secretary has listened and responded positively.”
Applications for the support are now open and you can read more information on our website HERE.
