Business support and advice

 

COVID-19 Business Support - UPDATE 

Following announcements of further COVID-19 Business Support, information related to what support is available, eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Find Business Support website found in the 'Other Websites' section of this page.

 

Hospitality - December/January Business Support Top Up

The Hospitality - December/January Business Support Top Up Fund has closed to new applications.

 

January Business Support Top Up – Hospitality and Leisure Fund

The January Business Support Top Up - Hospitality and Leisure Fund has closed to new applications.

 

COVID-19: Route Map Extension Restrictions Fund 

The Route Map Extension Restrictions Fund is now closed.

 

COVID-19 DISCRETIONARY FUND 2nd PHASE IS NOW CLOSED

COVID-19 Discretionary fund 2nd phase has closed to new applications

 

Coronavirus (Covid-19): Business Support - Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund is now closed.

The Small Accommodation Providers Paying Council Tax Fund has closed to new applications.

 

Strategic Framework Business Fund

The Strategic Framework Business Fund has closed to new applications.

On 19th April 2021, all Strategic Framework Business Fund recipients will automatically receive a combined final two-week supplement and a one-off restart grant to help them reopen.  To find out more about the combined supplement and restart grant due on 19th April see the link to the Scottish Government “Strategic Framework supplement and a one-off restart grant” within the Other Websites section of this page.

 

Hospitality, Retail and Leisure Sector Top-up payments

The Top Up Payment scheme is now closed.

 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

  • The closing date for claims up to and including 31 October remains 30 November 2020.
  • Claims from 1 November 2020 must be submitted by 11.59pm 14 calendar days after the month you’re claiming for. If this time falls on the weekend then claims should be submitted on the next working day.
  • If you are claiming for a period that starts on or after 1 November 2020, then you can only claim for furloughed employees that were employed and on payroll on 30 October 2020. This means you must have made a PAYE RTI submission to HMRC between 20 March 2020 and 30 October 2020, notifying a payment of earnings for that employee. This may differ where you have made employees redundant, or they stopped working for you on or after 23 September 2020 and you have subsequently re-employed them.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

  • If you already have a Bounce Back Loan but borrowed less than you were entitled to, you can top up your existing loan to your maximum amount. You must request the top-up by 31 January 2021.
  • The top-ups are only available from a borrower’s existing BBLS lender. A borrower can apply for a top-up that is for the lesser of £50k or 25% of the annual turnover the borrower certified in their original successful BBLS application form, minus the value of their original loan.

Coronavirus Business Contingency Fund: Phase 1

  • Eligibility criteria has been updated to clarify that ALEOs are not eligible.

Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers 

  • Applications to the fund have now reopened
  • Bursaries can be requested for any sum from £500 - £2000. If you have specific access needs, then you may request more than this.
  • The fund does not have a published deadline – but will only remain open for as long as the funds are available with each of the partners. Creative Scotland therefore encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.

Screen Hardship Fund

  • Applications to the fund have now reopened via Screen Scotland
  • Applicants can apply for a Hardship bursary of up to £2,000. You may request more than £2,000 if your request includes access.

Youth Arts Access Fund

  • Applications close midnight, Thursday 12 November. This fund has now been removed from the summary document.
  • All applicants will be notified of decisions by 9 February 2021

Community Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund

  • The fund will be moving to the Resilience phase on 1st December. The fund's priorities will focus on supporting organisations with their long-term planning, helping them become more sustainable in the future, despite the continued uncertainty.

  • More information on the Resilience phase will be published late November. Whilst the fund moves into the final phase, please be assured that the fund will not close at any time.

Creative, Tourism & Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund - THIS APPLICATION HAS NOW CLOSED 

 

Business Gateway Inverclyde

Business Gateway is being responsive and reactive to the needs and challenges Scottish businesses face due to the Covid-19 (coronavirus).  Plans are being put in place to deliver a virtual advisory and workshop service where possible.

Advisers can offer free support with a wide range of business matters including continuity planning, managing cashflow, HR and dealing with suppliers.

The local number for Inverclyde is 01475 779327.

Rental relief available for businesses

Businesses renting properties from Inverclyde Council could have their rental payments deferred for up to 24 months covering the period of government restrictions in which they are unable to trade as normal. This offer has been introduced to support businesses struggling with the effects of coronavirus (covid-19).

A deferral would result in invoices continuing to be issued in normal terms however the repayment of the invoices could be spread over a fixed period, negotiated with the lessee of up to 24 months from date of issue. This relieves the immediate burden on cash flow on the business but still ensures that the terms of the lease are fulfilled.

Social distancing guidance for business

The Scottish Government has issued updated social distancing guidance for businesses in Scotland to help provide clarity on protecting employees in the fight against coronavirus (covid-19).

It provides further information for employers and makes clear that those providing essential services must follow social distancing requirements.

It asks that the owners of businesses and operators of workplaces not required to close by law to consider whether what they do is essential to the efforts in the fight against the virus or benefit the wellbeing of society.

It also asks those employers if they can demonstrate and provide their workforces with reassurance that they are consistently practising safe social distancing and complying with all other standard health and safety requirements.

If the answer to either of these questions is no, workplaces are advised to close.

The guidance is published at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-and-social-distancing-guidance/ (cut and paste this link or use the link on this page)

Construction sector guidance

There is a link on this page to guidance on construction sites and associated works that can continue under specific conditions issued by the Scottish Government.