Aberdeen businesses urged to apply for support grants

Businesses in Aberdeen are being reminded to apply for support grants if they have been impacted by Covid-19.

A fund of £900,000 has been allocated to help the city’s hospitality sector after restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars were forced to close last month. An additional £100,000 is available for firms which have seen a downturn in trade due to the impact on footfall and the ability of customers to travel for bookings.

This includes hair salons, beauty therapists, repair services, jewellers and charity or community cafes.

Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “We will continue to work to ensure we can do all we can to support the business community through our social-economic recovery plan and the business support grant.”

Co-leader Jenny Laing added: “I would encourage any business that has been impacted by Covid-19 to apply or, at the very least, inquire as to whether or not they are entitled to a business support grant or a payment from the discretionary fund.

“Local businesses need all the help they can get, and we want to ensure they are able to access every penny they are entitled to.”

Development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses David

Groundwater echoed the call and said the support would go “some way” to help businesses get “back up to speed”.

To find out more, visit aberdeencity.gov.uk/ services/coronaviruscovid-19/local-restrictionsbusiness-support-fund or to check eligibility, email businessgrowth@ aberdeencity.gov.uk

Douglas Lumsden