Falkirk area firms urged to sign up for Scottish Government Business Support Grant

More than 760 businesses have now applied to the Scottish Government Business Support Grant fund that sees awards of up to £25,000 available – if applicants meet certain criteria – since the scheme was started two weeks ago.

So far, £8.8 million has already been claimed and a further 91 will also see an extra £1m paid out this week.

Falkirk Council administers the grants which are aimed at helping to keep companies in business and keep productive capacity so firms can recover in the future.

There are two grants available:

Small businesses – businesses operating in an eligible premise in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme and Rural Relief as at March 17, 2020 can apply for a one-off grant of £10,000.

Other retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £18,001 and up to and including £50,999 will be able to apply for a one-off grant of £25,000.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, said: “These grants are designed to protect jobs, prevent business closure and promote economic recovery across the area and Scotland.

“We have seen hundreds apply and importantly, have seen the grants turned around and money in business bank accounts in a matter of days providing a much-needed lifeline for local traders.

“The scheme is open for the foreseeable future and we would encourage local businesses to find out if they are eligible and apply as soon as possible.”

Blood Sweat and Tears, a 24-hour gym and fitness centre based in East Bridge Street, Falkirk, is one of the grant recipients.

Owner Gordon Ross said: “We are entirely reliant on our members’ payments so when the place is closed, it means there is no income at all.

“The grant was easy to apply for and we got some extra help from the team at Business Gateway to get through the process. This funding means that my business will be able to re-open in the future.”

Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, said: “The Scottish Government has worked closely with Falkirk Council to establish a scheme to pay grant funding to eligible businesses as quickly as possible.

“This has been an excellent example of team work and I am grateful to all elected members and officers for their work.”

Any business which hasn’t yet applied can find full information and the online application at www.falkirk.gov.uk/bsg.

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