THE Local Business Support Grant on offer to Aberdeen businesses forced to close by the local lockdown has been increased and businesses yet to apply are being urged to do so before the deadline of 5 pm on Monday 19 October 2020.
Following discussions between Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government, the Local Restrictions Business Support Fund grant levels have been increased to £2,000 and £3,000 (based on Rateable Value).
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As part of the settlement the Local Restrictions Business Support ‘general fund’ will close to new applications at 5 pm on Monday 19 October 2020. This applies to businesses that were forced to close during the August local restrictions period, 05 – 26 August. Eligible businesses that have yet to apply are urged to do so before the fund closes.
Businesses that have previously been awarded funding under the general criteria will receive a second payment to bring their grant up to the new level. There is no need to reapply or contact the Council regarding this.
Councillor Douglas Lumsden, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council said: “Aberdeen City Council has been in discussion with the Scottish Government to look at alternative ways in which the Council can distribute the £1million funding it was given to support businesses required to close by the local restrictions that applied between 5-26 August 2020.
“We are pleased that these discussions have led to the increase in the current £1,500 grant to £3,000 in line with what is currently on offer to businesses elsewhere in Scotland. We would encourage any business that has yet to apply to do so before the deadline. Businesses that have already received the original payment will automatically receive a top-up therefore they are not required to apply again.”
Applications to the Discretionary Fund, which is open to businesses which were not forced to close but were impacted by reduced footfall and cancelled bookings due to travel restrictions, remains open until 5 pm on Monday 02 November 2020.
