Aberdeenshire MP Richard Thomson welcomes Scottish Government support for local businesses

Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed a new fund to support new businesses in Aberdeenshire.

The Business Recovery And Growth Scheme (BRAGS), which is being funded by the Scottish Government’s Local Economic Covid Recovery Fund (LACER), will support businesses which have been trading in Aberdeenshire for at least six months.

Designed to aid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, grants will encourage and enable businesses to:

• Maintain income streams and future proof the business.
• Capitalise on product and market development opportunities.
• Be innovative in outlook and practice.
• Promote economic recovery.
• Sustain and enhance existing jobs.
• Create new employment opportunities.

Grants of £2,500, £5,000, £10,000 are available which are based on a 75 percent grant contribution to the total project costs.

Businesses must provide at least 25 percent of the funding.

Commenting, Mr Thomson said: “Building on business recovery post-lockdown is vitally important and I fully appreciate that for many businesses, it remains a difficult and challenging period.

“This grant scheme is open to all businesses based and operating in Aberdeenshire for at least six months including sole traders, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited companies, registered charities and third sector organisations.

“I would urge any business which thinks it could benefit to have a look at the criteria and submit an application.”

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the application process will be handled by Aberdeenshire Council.

For more information on the full funding criteria, visit: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/support-and-advice/business-support/brags/

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