Local businesses affected by the covid pandemic can soon apply for covid-recovery grants from a fund of more than £500,000.
The council, at its meeting today of the Policy and Resources Committee, approved the launch of the Covid Hardship Fund, to support businesses facing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.
Three levels of grant award will be available:
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£2,000 for businesses with no employees
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£5,000 for businesses with up to 9 employees
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£10,000 for businesses with 10+ employees
Funding will be distributed on a first come, first served basis for applicants who meet key criteria including:
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The business will suffer hardship if support is not awarded.
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The business is viable going forward.
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The circumstances are exceptional and COVID related.
Council Leader, Councillor Robin Currie, said:
“The pandemic’s been tough for local businesses. This fund is all about making help available for businesses struggling to deal with, and move on from, the impact of covid-19.â€
Initial information on the fund is available at Item 13 of the Policy and Resources Committee agenda - Agenda for Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday, 12 August 2021, 10:30 am - ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ (argyll-bute.gov.uk)
Further information on the opening date for the fund, eligibility criteria, and details of how to apply will be available in two weeks on the council’s website, and promoted through social media and other communication channels.
The funding comes from £2.4 million of Scottish Government funding allocated to the council.
The council has already awarded over £1.9 million to businesses, and approved the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute COVID Business Hardship Fund to distribute the remaining funds as the area begins to move out of COVID restrictions.