Local businesses affected by Level 3 coronavirus restrictions are encouraged to apply for business support funding from the Scottish Government.
Many businesses across Scotland have been forced to close under widespread Level 4 restrictions, and thus have been able to apply for financial support through the Strategic Framework Business Fund.
The Scottish Government has now provided additional funding for an ‘Island Equivalent Payment’ Fund to provide financial support to businesses impacted by Level 3 restrictions, including Shetland.
For the four-week period from 28 December 2020 to 24 January 2021, businesses in Level 3 island areas, including Shetland, can now apply for a payment of £2,000 or £3,000 (dependent on rateable value) via a Temporary Closure Grant, which is equivalent to support available in Level 4 areas elsewhere in Scotland. The period of this funding may be extended if current restrictions under Scotland’s Strategic Framework continue.
Eligibility under the various protection levels can be found at the Scottish Government’s website or Find business support in Scotland. Eligibility for this funding is determined by the Scottish Government and local authorities do not have discretion to vary or amend this.
Also, based on Strategic Framework Business Fund criteria, eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will also qualify for a one-off top up payment of:
- £25,000 for larger hospitality businesses (rateable value of £51,001 or higher);
- £6,000 for smaller hospitality businesses (rateable value of £51,000 or less);
- £9,000 for larger retail and leisure businesses (rateable value of £51,001 or higher);
- £6,000 for smaller retail and leisure businesses (rateable value of £51,000 or less).
The top up payment is available to businesses who have applied for the Strategic Framework Business Fund by 22 February 2021.
The hospitality top-up is however not payable to self-catering properties and B&Bs. They will be supported by targeted schemes currently being developed by the Scottish Government and sector representatives.
Businesses who have already applied for the Strategic Framework Business Fund will not have to reapply. However, businesses who previously applied for the Coronavirus Business Support Fund in summer 2020 or the Business Hardship Fund in October 2020, and have not yet submitted an application for the Strategic Framework Business Fund, must apply separately. Top up payments and changes to ongoing payments will be made automatically.
New applications to the Fund, including applications for the Islands Equivalent Payment, should be made here, as soon as possible: Strategic Business Framework Fund Application Form.
Further guidance and FAQs can be found here. Any businesses with specific queries can contact Business Gateway Shetland, preferably by email, at: businessgateway@shetland.gov.uk
Information on the Island Equivalent Payment can be found on the Scottish Government webpage or Find business support in Scotland