COVID-19 Restrictions Fund: Additional funding for businesses affected by temporary restrictions
The COVID-19 Restrictions Fund has increased for businesses affected by the extension of temporary restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 Restrictions Fund Increase
The First Minister has announced that the current temporary restrictions will remain in place until 2nd November. As a result, funding for business grants over this period will be increased proportionately.
- The COVID-19 Restrictions Fund will now provide one-off grants of up to £4,310 to businesses required to close by the regulations.
- For businesses that may remain open but are directly impacted by the restrictions, the maximum hardship fund grant will increase to £2,155.
No need to re-apply
These grants are being administered by local authorities. The increase will be automatic and businesses that have already applied for a grant will not have to re-apply.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 3rd November at 5pm.
If you are still to apply, please note that that applications from Midlothian businesses for this fund are being processed on Midlothian Council’s behalf by The City of Edinburgh Council. You will be taken to a page on their website where you will find application forms and further guidance. Applications open from 9am on Tuesday 20 October.
Apply for the Business Closure Fund or Business Hardship Fund
Furlough scheme
Additionally, the Scottish Government has announced that grants of £1,650 will be available to help those firms that are required to close to help meet the 20% employer’s contribution that they are required to pay under the current UK Government furlough scheme.
COVID-19 Restrictions Fund One-off grants
These one-off grants are for the period until 2nd November only and will be replaced by a new system of business support to complement the “levels” approach due to be debated in the Scottish Parliament next week.
More information
More information for businesses is available on the Scottish Government Find Business Support website.
Business advice and support is always available via Business Gateway Midlothian.
