The Scottish Government has today (24 March) announced further support for businesses affected by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the Scottish Government Coronavirus Business Support Grant is to keep companies in business, help protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery. The fund will be administered by local authorities.

This is an incredibly difficult time for businesses across Argyll and Bute and for people worried about their jobs. Argyll and Bute Council are here to help businesses get the right support and financial help they’re entitled to. The Scottish Government has introduced the Business Support Grant and would encourage eligible businesses to apply.

Who can apply?

The ratepayers of businesses located in a non-domestic property that is on 17 March;

1. in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS);

2. in receipt of Rural Relief; or

3. eligible for SBBS but in receipt of Nursery Relief or Disabled Relief;

These can apply to access a support fund and receive a one-off small business support grant of £10,000. This is only available if they were the ratepayer for a premises occupied for that business use on 17 March 2020.

A separate one-off grant of £25,000 is available to the ratepayers of businesses in the Retail, Hospitality, Leisure sectors operating in a premises with a rateable value of £18,001 or up to £50,999. This is the rateable value as at 17 March 2020 regardless of any subsequent reduction in rateable value due to an appeal. This is only available if they were the ratepayer for a premises occupied for that business use on 17 March 2020.

Eligible ratepayers can apply for a one-off grant payment as detailed below up to 31 March 2021. Only one grant is allowed per ratepayer regardless of the number of premises held.

These grants are aimed at helping keep companies in business and keep productive capacity so that they can recover. Their intention is to:

* Protect jobs
* Prevent business closure
* Promote economic recovery

How to apply

Complete the application form found on the council website https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus-information-businesses<http://track.vuelio.uk.com/z.z?l=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJneWxsLWJ1dGUuZ292LnVrL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLWluZm9ybWF0aW9uLWJ1c2luZXNzZXM%3d&r=12754827277&d=11117754&p=1&t=h&h=75da53fcbcb0aef098363863b220dbd9> .

Send all completed applications to [email protected]

The deadline to send applications is 31st March.

Please allow 10 working days from receipt of a fully completed application for processing. Grants will be available subject to assessment from 1st April.