Moray firms are urged to apply for crucial grants
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Local businesses are being encouraged by Moray Council to apply for closure payments which also could see them eligible for top-up grants worth up to £25,000.
Companies which shut when lockdown was reimposed on Boxing Day can claim the closure payments.
They need to be in the system by February 5 to also be eligible for top-up grants from the Scottish Government's Strategic Framework Business Fund (SFBF).
It is understood that several hundred local businesses are not yet in the system.
Jim Grant, the council's Head of Economic Growth and Development, said: "We’re aware there are still a number of eligible businesses in Moray that have not yet applied for the fund, and we’re keen to maximise the funding distributed locally.
"While we’re currently experiencing high levels of applications, and would ask for patience as we respond, we’ve recruited additional staff and will get applications and payments out to successful applicants as quickly as possible."
The application forms can be obtained off the Moray Council website here.
Completed application forms along with the supporting documents should then be sent to sfbfund@moray.gov.uk
Hospitality businesses – which includes hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, licensed social and sports clubs –
could be eligible for a one-off top-up grant of £25,000 if they have a rateable value above £51,001.
Those with a rateable value below that figure could get £6000.
Self-catering and B&Bs could benefit from a separate Scottish Government fund.
Guesthouses, campsites, caravan parks and hostels are not covered by the SFBF, however they too might be eligible for other funding streams.
Retail and leisure businesses – which includes indoor gyms – could get a one-off top-up grant of £9000 it they have a rateable value above £51,001, or a grant of £6000 if it's less.
Hospitality businesses experiencing problems with filling in the forms can contact Visit Moray Speyside for help.
Other types of businesses can contact the Moray Chamber of Commerce.
