Grants worth more than £20 million have now been processed by the Council to help support East Dunbartonshire businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
There have been a variety of funding schemes available during the past year, including the Council's Discretionary Business Fund - which, it has been announced, will close to applications at 5pm on Friday 26 March 2021.
It is aimed at those ineligible for other forms of Scottish Government business grant support introduced since October 2020.
Eligible applicants include tradespeople - such as electricians, plasterers, plumbers and painters & decorators - who, while not legally required to close, have been unable to work in homes due to restrictions on non-essential work. It also includes the likes of training providers and home-based businesses.
You can apply even if you are receiving help from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and/or Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
A one-off grant of £4,000 is available to eligible applicants. Criteria can be found on the Council's dedicated business support webpage - where there is an online form to apply.
Due to the number of applications being received for the Discretionary Business Fund, support is being prioritised for those who have suffered a significant downturn in revenue (for example, circa 30%).
From November 2020 to 12 March 2021, the Council processed:
- 1,825 Business Temporary Closure Fund grants
- 172 Business Restrictions Fund grants
That makes a total of £2,768,125 (Scottish Government Strategic Framework Business Funding - to 12 March 2021).
- 436 Top-Up Funding grants for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses - totalling £2,818,000
- 399 Taxi and Private Hire Driver Support Fund grants - £598,500
- 5 Contingency Fund Plus grants - £80,000
- 100 Discretionary Business Fund grants - £400,000.
During the pandemic, a total of £20,127,840 - 4,352 grants - has been processed for local firms, traders and job providers.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "The closing date for the Council's Discretionary Business Fund has been confirmed as Friday 26 March. If you're eligible, please ensure you apply before the deadline to be considered for support. We continue to do all we can to support local firms, traders and service providers - who are at the heart of the East Dunbartonshire economy."
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "We have now processed more than £20 million worth of grants for local businesses - working with a range of enterprises, large and small. The resilience and fortitude being shown at this very difficult time is remarkable. I want to extend my thanks and very best wishes to all involved."
For more information on business support available, including the latest initiatives and updates visit the Council's dedicated webpage - -business-support
Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire is continuing to offer advice and support via online workshops and networking groups, as well as one-to-one 'remote' meetings.
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