Coronavirus Business Support Scheme

The Scottish Government’s Coronavirus Business Support Scheme opened for applications at the end of March and to date nearly £8 million has been paid out to businesses in the Western Isles. The government has brought forward the deadline for submission of applications to 10 July 2020. Eligible businesses must ensure that applications are submitted before this date.

There are 3 categories of grant, aimed at supporting businesses during this period, through protecting jobs, preventing closure and assisting with recovery:

Small Business – grants of £10,000 or £7,500 are available to businesses in receipt of specific categories of rates relief.

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure – grants of £25,000 or £18,750 for businesses with properties in these sectors and with Rateable Values in a specified range.

A recent change to the scheme has extended the grants to tenants of ratepayers of business properties, where they can show that a lease is in place, staff are employed and that they have a business bank account.