Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has outlined details of a £40 million fund to help businesses affected by the most recent COVID-19 restrictions.

• The COVID-19 Restrictions Fund: one-off grants of up to £3,000 to businesses required to close by law (e.g. restaurants, bars, etc.)

– Up to £2,000 will be payable to businesses with a rateable value of up to £51,000

– £3,000 for those with a rateable value of £51,001 or above

-Applications are welcome from Limited Companies, Sole Traders, Trusts and Partnerships provided they meet the other points of criteria

• A discretionary business hardship fund: grants of up to £1,500 to support some businesses that remain open but are directly impacted by the restrictions, including those in the direct supply chains of firms that have been required to close
• Up to £9 million of funding will help with the costs of re-furloughing staff by supporting the 20% salary contribution required by the UK Government.
• A discretionary fund of up to £11 million for businesses that need support but don’t fall into the above categories. This will, for example, support soft play centres that have been unable to re-open this month

These grants will be administered by local authorities. The Scottish Government is currently working with local authorities to finalise the application, processing, payment and appeal arrangements.

Businesses can find information on these grants at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-fund/ and information on other support available at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/