Aberdeen City Council will be administering local applications for funding from the £34 million Scotland-wide fund which launched today for those who are recently self-employed and unable to access other grant support schemes.
Eligible applicants may qualify for a £2,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund, administered by local authorities. This makes up part of a £100 million fund to support the self-employed and SMEs announced on 21 April 2020.
This funding is intended to relieve the hardship of people ineligible for other Coronavirus self-employment schemes. It is open to those who became self-employed on or after 6 April 2019 and who were actively trading up to March 2020.
Aberdeen City Council is now accepting applications from those who meet the criteria within the city and it is anticipated successful applicants will receive the funds in early May 2020.
Successful applicants may continue to work or take on other employment including voluntary work while applying for or in receipt of grants.
Cllr Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council said, “As an organisation, we are determined to keep doing everything we can to support individuals, families and businesses through the pressures they face during the current pandemic. I would encourage eligible self-employed individuals to submit their applications to Aberdeen City Council as soon as possible so we can help provide the support they need during these difficult times”.
The application form together with full details of the required criteria can be found at: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19/apply-newly-self-employed-hardship-fund.
For an overview of all available business support please visit: www.investaberdeen.co.uk/business-opportunities/business-support/supporting-our-business-community:-covid-19