Additional Business Support for D&G from Scottish Government

South Scotland MSP, Joan McAlpine has welcomed news of a second phase of financial support from the Scottish Government to help businesses deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The additional funding, worth £220 million, was announced by Scottish Finance Minister, Kate Forbes. The package of measures includes £100 million for newly self-employed people and businesses who are ineligible for other Scottish Government or UK Government schemes.

A further £120 million will go towards extending the Small Business Grant scheme to ensure that, in addition to a 100% grant on the first property, small business rate payers will be eligible to a 75% grant on all subsequent properties.

Commenting, Ms McAlpine says,

“This is great news for Dumfries and Galloway. We know the region has more micro and SME businesses and self-employed people than the Scottish average so the extra help is very welcome, especially as the funding includes support for the recently self-employed who are ineligible for other UK schemes.

“Support from the Scottish Government now exceeds the £2.2 billion passed on from the UK Government and actively works to fill the gaps in the UK schemes. The new announcement shows the Scottish Government has been listening to those on the frontline of the economic crisis and responding quickly to what they’re saying.

“More information on when the schemes open and details of where and how to apply can be found at the Scottish Government’s website, Find Business Support at www.findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice <www.findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice>. This funding will be a vital lifeline for many businesses and individuals across our region so I’m urging all businesses and self-employed people in Dumfries and Galloway to check if they’re eligible and if they are to get their applications in as soon as possible”

Annandale North Councillor, Stephen Thompson added,

“The Government’s newly announced support will be aimed at self-employed people and businesses that are ineligible for other support already being offered. Dumfries and Galloway Council have been busy paying out support entitlements to businesses across the region, and are undertaking a gap analysis to identify local businesses that fall outside currently available support. Hopefully fewer businesses will miss out on support as details of the new scheme become clearer this month”

Any local businesses can call the D&G Council’s business support helpline on 01387 260280 where business advisers will be able to discuss concerns in more detail with access to the full range of support available.