£ 13m in grants given to firms

More than £ 13 million has been shelled out in just four weeks to help local businesses survive.

Since the end of March, South Ayrshire Council has distributed £ 13.4 million in business support grants.

So far these lifeline grants have helped 1,132 local businesses cope in the face of the coronavirus ( COVID- 19) pandemic.

The Council is paying the grants of £ 10,000 or £ 25,000 within 10 working days, where applicants meet the qualifying criteria.

And it’s clear the grants are making a big difference with many business owners praising the council and thanking them for being able to pay retained staff, furlough others and continue paying bills.

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: “We are continuing to do everything in our power to help local business through these difficult times.

“These grants are crucial for the local economy, and will ensure that businesses can bounce back when restrictions are lifted.

“We are receiving new applications every day, and we are currently working with hundreds of applicants to ensure we have the information we need to process their applications.

“I would encourage any business that has not submitted an application and feels they are eligible, to get in touch.”

If you have not already made a business support grant application or want more information, please visit the coronavirus section on the Council website: https:// beta. south- ayrshire. gov. uk/ article/ 19481/ InformationforBusinesses