The clock is ticking to apply to COVID-19 business support grant schemes after the Scottish Government announced this week that it will close a number of streams for new applications on Friday July 10.
Figures up to the start of June show that £824.54 million has been distributed to 72,622 businesses across Scotland through the Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant schemes, but that new applications have slowed in recent weeks.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has been supporting community and charity organisations to apply for the grants to help with the impact of COVID-19.
One such organisation is Castle Douglas Community Centre Development Trust, which sought advice from one of TSDG’s Engagement Officers before applying for a leisure and hospitality grant.
As a result, the centre was awarded £25,000, which will help keep it running.
Trustee David Vickers thanked the support of TSDG and said: “Not only does this award secure our future, it allows us time and space to look at new ways to use the community centre and to undertake much-needed developments to improve cost control and accessibility for our members.”
Board of Trustees chair David Young said the money would allow them to plan for the future.
Engagement Officer David Link helped the Trust to make the application and said some third sector groups with premises – owned or leased – in receipt of Charity Rate relief were confused over whether they could apply for the relevant grants.
He said: “If you have any doubts, you should contact TSDG and our staff will be happy to help establish your eligibility and assist you in applying. All third sector groups – large or small – are encouraged to talk to us about funding and other support that is currently available.
“You might be thinking about capacity building, governance, meeting the challenges of coming out of lockdown, supporting volunteers or re-designing services – we are here to help you.”
To get in touch with TSDG you can email [email protected] or call 0300 303 8558.
For more on the grants, go online to: supportdg.dumgal.gov.uk
