Scottish Government Doubles COVID-19 Grants for Pivotal Businesses

Scottish Government Doubles COVID-19 Grants for Pivotal Businesses

A fund recently launched to provide grants for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) is to be doubled from £45 million to £90 million.

The Scottish Government has announced the increase in the Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund to help meet existing demand.

The aim of the Fund, which is managed by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise, is to provide grants to SMEs which are vital to Scotland’s local or national economy but have been made vulnerable by this crisis.

While the large volume of received applications are being evaluated, the application process is currently being paused. Payments will still be made to businesses within 10 working days of receiving completed applications and two hardship funds for the newly self-employed and the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors remain open for applications.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy Fiona Hyslop said:

‘This extra £45 million is a direct response to feedback from businesses. It demonstrates our determination to support pivotal businesses which are suffering, through no fault of their own.

‘This package of funding will reach businesses in need – at pace – and continues our commitment to ensure every penny of the additional business money that has come to Scotland is passed on to support our economy.’

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.