This fund has now closed for new applications
In October 2020, the Scottish Government announced the opening of the Strategic Framework Business Fund. This Fund will offer grant support for businesses required to close by law or to significantly change its operations due to COVID-19 restrictions. Specifically, the Fund will provide:
- Temporary Closure Grant - a grant of £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) for businesses required to close by law, payable every four weeks for the duration protective measures are in place;
- Business Restrictions Grant - a grant of £1,400 or £2,100 (depending on rateable value) for businesses that remain open but are specifically required to modify their operations by protective measures, payable every four weeks for the duration measures are in place
Eligibility for the Fund
Eligibility for the fund will depend on your business category and what Level of restrictions are in place for Shetland at any point in time. You can see the list of business specifically required by law to close or modify their operations here.
Funding will cover any closures/restricted operations from 2 November 2020 and will be paid in arrears on a 4-weekly basis. You do not need to reapply if restrictions are extended beyond four weeks, or if the Level changes.
The Strategic Framework Business Fund was established by the Scottish Government to provide financial support via grant funding every 4 weeks to businesses impacted by protective restrictions under Scotland’s Strategic Framework.
Under Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions, many island businesses are legally allowed to operate and are therefore not eligible for support from the Strategic Framework Business Fund. Nevertheless, the restrictions have had severe impacts on island areas, meaning many businesses have been equally financially impacted as those under Level 4 restrictions, but without the equivalent government financial support.
In recognition of this, the Scottish Government has provided additional funding to establish an ‘Island Equivalent Payment’ Fund to provide the equivalent of Level 4 support to island-based businesses under Level 3.
Applicants are advised that this fund will close to new applicants on Monday 22 March.
The recurring payment made through this fund will be replaced with a one-off Restart Grant for business in the retail, hospitality the leisure sectors specifically to support them in meeting the costs associated with the costs of reopening.
Further information on this fund and the Restart Grant can be found on the Scottish Governments business support site.
Any businesses with specific queries can contact Business Gateway Shetland.