Grants worth more than £11 million have been paid out to East Dunbartonshire businesses during the pandemic, but time is running out if you haven't yet applied.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the Coronavirus Business Support Fund - including the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant - will close to new applications on 10 July 2020.
As of 16 June 2020, a total of 1,176 applications for the fund had been received by East Dunbartonshire Council - with more than £11.26 million in vital grants processed and paid.
To check your eligibility, visit the Council's dedicated business support webpage - www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/covid-19-business-support - where you can also get information on the latest initiatives and advice.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "I would encourage all businesses and entrepreneurs - from sole traders and home-based enterprises to larger firms and major employers - to check whether they qualify for a grant.
"We want to make sure that the people and firms powering East Dunbartonshire's economy are supported as much as possible."
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "It has been a mammoth task to co-ordinate so many applications in such a short - and challenging - space of time. A huge thank-you to everyone involved.
"Businesses, don't miss out on the chance to gain vital support before the closing date - 10 July 2020. Eligibility conditions were recently widened, so even if you have checked before and not applied, it's worth investigating again."
The Council also received 112 applications for the Scottish Government's Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund (as of 16 June 2020), with £168,000 paid in grants.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that - since the launch of the UK Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) - the wages of 13,900 jobs have been supported in East Dunbartonshire.
That includes 11,200 furloughed jobs and 2,700 SEISS claims - with £8.2 million paid out in SEISS grants locally - up to 31 May 2020.
Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/covid-19-business-support for the latest information, advice and opportunities. You can also e-mail Covid19BusinessSupport@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 578 8530.
* The Scottish Government opened the Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund on Monday 15 June, offering support to B&Bs and other Small Serviced Accommodation businesses unable to access aid through schemes as a result of banking status. Visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/covid-19-business-support for more information.
* 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. Visit www.businessworks.scot and www.bgateway.com/local-offices/east-dunbartonshire/local-support
* For additional information on potential funding sources, visit www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder
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