More business support made available for self-employed and close contact businesses

Two funds to support people whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic are now open to applications.

Grants will be available for mobile and home-based close contact service businesses – such as make-up artists and hairdressers – as well as registered driving instructors.

The Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund, which paid out more than £11 million in vital support last year, will also re-open for a second round.

Both funds will provide £4000 grants to successful applicants.

Full eligibility details are available online.

Finance Secretary Kate Forbes said: “These new funds will support harder to reach businesses and newly self-employed people across Scotland as we continue to focus our efforts on helping those who are not captured by UK Government schemes.

“We’ve committed more than £3 billion to support businesses and protect jobs during the pandemic and I would encourage all those affected to check what support is available to help them through such a challenging time.”

Full information for mobile and at home businesses can be found at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/mobile-and-home-based-close-contact-services-fund

Information for the newly self-employed is online at https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/service/funding/newly-self-employed-hardship-fund

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