£ 11.3m to help firms survive

More than 1000 business grants totalling £ 11.3m has been signed off across East Ayrshire to keep businesses afloat.

As of April 24, East Ayrshire Council had awarded 1016 grants to support local businesses during the COVID- 19 pandemic.

These grants, which are available until March next year, aim to support small businesses and medium- sized businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, who are liable for nondomestic rates.

Businesses may be eligible to apply for either the Small Business Support Grant of £ 10,000 or the Retail, Hospitality, Leisure Support Grant of £ 25,000.

Joe McLachlan, Interim Head of Finance and ICT at the council, said: “The council have been working incredibly hard to process these grants, providing a financial lifeline to businesses at this challenging time.

“We have designed our own online application form, based on the details supplied by the Scottish Government, to ensure we can process the applications quickly.

“This online process means we can assess, determine and pay eligible businesses without delay.

“These grants are available until 31 March 2021, and I would encourage those businesses that have not yet applied, and who are eligible, to apply.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, Cabinet member for Economy and Infrastructure with responsibility, added: “These grants will make a big difference to a lot of our small local companies who find themselves in difficult circumstances While not every business will be eligible, there are other support mechanisms coming on stream in the next few days. Council staff will be focusing on releasing that support as quickly as possible too. We are committed to supporting our business base where possible.”

For details on eligibility and to apply, visit: http:// www. east- ayrshire. gov. uk/ support