Business recovery fund launch

A new fund has been launched by North Lanarkshire Council to help local businesses recover from the pandemic.

The Back to Business Fund will provide grants to allow companies to adapt their business model or premises to meet new challenges in their sector; they will provide 100 per cent of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of £2500, with one application per business.

Councillor Allan Graham, enterprise and growth committee convener, said: “We carried out a survey recently among businesses asking for their priorities for moving forward after the pandemic.

“The Back to Business Fund is a direct response to their feedback. Grants can be used to support specific projects or investments that will create a new business direction, product or service and open up new opportunities for economic growth.

“For example, the funding could be used to develop new or expanded online business activity, adapt premises to comply with Covid restrictions or provide a safe environment for staff and customers, or to implement a diversification of a product or service.

“The fund is one of a range of supports provided directly by the council and through Business Gateway Lanarkshire to help businesses develop and grow.”

A downloadable application form, eligibility criteria and supporting evidence, and application guidance are available via www.northlanarkshire. gov.uk/coronavirus/supportbusinesses/back-business-fund