Business support in Inverclyde
Thanks for business patience have been issued as council’s work through the requirements for Scottish Government business support grants.
The move comes as new changes to the criteria are announced by Government.
Inverclyde Council Leader, Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “The business support grant from the Scottish Government aims to support the many businesses closed down because of the stay at home measures across the country.
“Our finance team are working hard behind the scenes to do all of the necessary checks and to get this funding out to business as quickly as they can.
“Just today they have made 78 payments totalling over £855,000 in financial support to local business.
“The new changes will increase demand and I would like to thank our local businesses for their patience as the team make sure that the right people get the money they should to support them at this extraordinary time.”
Local government umbrella group COSLA today said that the additional support for business funding announced by the Scottish Government would enable more businesses and vital organisations within our communities to be given the support they require.
COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Gail Macgregor said: “Even in these unprecedented times, an inclusive economy remains a key priority for Local Government and coming through this crisis with as strong a base as possible is vital.
“The additional £120 million of funding for business support announced today, will help to support more businesses and vital organisations within our communities and local government has worked hard to develop the necessary infrastructure to deliver it in the quickest and most effective way.
“As well as this business support funding there is £100m to be made available to protect self-employed people and viable micro and SME businesses in distress due to COVID. Local government welcomes this resource to support those who fall through the gaps in support provided to date.
“There is still detailed work to be done to ensure an effective scheme is developed alongside the other priorities currently being delivered by councils. Scottish Government will be aware of the level of risk attached to a scheme of this nature where Councils don’t necessarily hold all relevant details on applicants.
“In addition Local Government will welcome discussions with Scottish Government on Local Government’s role ensuring the remaining £380 million of the £600 million announced by the Chancellor at the weekend reaches those in most need.”
Today’s Scottish Government announcement included the following packages:
Around £220 million of further grants are being made available for businesses - including the recently self-employed - to help them deal with the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The new package of measures includes £120 million to extend the Small Business Grant scheme to ensure that, in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, small business rate payers will be eligible to a 75% grant on all subsequent properties.
A further £100 million fund is also being made available to protect self-employed people and viable micro and SME businesses in distress due to COVID. This fund will be channelled through local authorities and enterprise agencies to target newly self-employed people and businesses who are ineligible for other Scottish Government or UK Government schemes.
Applications for the £100 million fund will be open by the end of the month, and the new arrangements for the Small Business Grant will be in place to receive applications on 5 May.
Business advice and support information is available online at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/coronavirus