Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has today welcomed further steps by the Scottish Government to secure the future of businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new package of measures includes £120 million to extend the Small Business Grant scheme to ensure that, in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, small business ratepayers will be eligible to a 75% grant on all subsequent properties.

A further £100 million fund is also being made available to protect self-employed people and viable micro and SME businesses in distress due to COVID. This fund will be channelled through local authorities and enterprise agencies to target newly self-employed people and businesses who are ineligible for other Scottish Government or UK Government schemes.  

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“This is good news for businesses across Perthshire, and further proof of the Scottish Government’s commitment to helping those hit hard by the current pandemic.

“Our support for business now exceeds the £2.2 billion passed on from the UK Government and actively works to fill the gaps in the UK schemes.

“Furthermore, with UK Government support not being available until June, we are determined to secure the future economic viability of Scottish firms and applications will therefore be open by the end of the month.

“This is an unprecedented package of support, and I am hopeful that it will offer security and peace of mind to business owners across Perthshire.”

Applications for the £100 million fund will be open by the end of the month, and the new arrangements for the Small Business Grant will be in place to receive applications on 5 May.