A scheme to support small businesses in their first stages of growth is being reintroduced in Aberdeenshire.
The First Employee Grant Scheme, which offers £1,000 to businesses taking on their first employee and aims to help employers through the recruitment process, is now open to applications.
If a business qualifies for support it receives £500 when it takes on a new employee and £500 after six months if the post is still filled.
It is not important how long a business has been in existence only that it has aspirations for growth and is seeking to take on its first employee.
One full time post must be created at a minimum of 30 hours per week, but can be filled by two part time workers.
The grant will not be given to businesses which are part of a group of companies or have a parent company.
Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, said: “This scheme is exactly what smaller businesses need to get them to the next level. If we are relying on the private sector to create new jobs then we must have schemes like this to assist them.”
Vice chair John Cox said: “I’m very pleased local businesses have this opportunity for support. It can be a difficult step to take on your first employee and the grant and support is intended to make that step easier.”
Aberdeenshire Council’s Support for Aberdeenshire Business (SAB) project has been revised to accommodate the reintroduction of the grant scheme, last operational in January 2016.
SAB Development Grants, which include marketing grants and grants to assist in the implementation of a recognised quality system, now have a maximum amount of £10,000.
The SAB Sustainable Business Grant has been discontinued, with alternative grants offered by Resource Efficient Scotland and other bodies.
All loans under £25,000 will now be offered at 3% interest but there will be no setup fees.
For more information on the First Employee Grant Scheme or help available under the SAB project please contact the Business Gateway Manager on (01467 534304), or email: econdev@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
More information is also available online: http://bit.ly/2gknBu1.