Discretionary Business Support Fund

Businesses that have missed out on other forms of Covid-19 funding can apply for the Local Authority Discretionary Fund launched last week.

The aim of this fund is to mitigate the short-term financial challenges being experienced by businesses adversely impacted by restrictions and regulations introduced since October to control the spread of COVID-19.

This fund will provide a one-off payment of £2,000.

The fund is targeted at small and micro businesses (50 employees or fewer) and the self-employed and takes into consideration local priorities and gaps in support. It is specifically aimed at businesses and individuals that haven’t received other Scottish Government financial support introduced since October 2020.

Local authorities can use this fund at their discretion and will undertake their own assessment of need and develop application processes accordingly.

Who can apply:

• Limited Companies (including Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations and social enterprises)

• Sole Traders

• Trusts, Partnerships

• Community Interest Companies

• Freelancers

who have been forced to amend or close their operations as a direct result of legislation, or are facing hardship as an indirect consequence of the current restrictions, but are ineligible for financial support through the Scottish Government initiated funding.

How to apply:

To apply for this fund, you need to go through your local council:

Aberdeen

East Lothian

Edinburgh

Falkirk

Fife

Glasgow

Midlothian

Scottish Borders

Stirling

West Lothian

Online applications for the Discretionary Business Support Fund will go live between 8am and 8.30am on Wednesday 3 February 2021. It will be important to apply as early as possible as only a limited number of grant claims will be supported.