We know that Scottish small businesses need extra support at this uncertain time. We have collated some of the support and information specific to Scottish businesses in one place.

We hope you find this useful.

Please visit this link to learn more about what is available to you for support in Scotland.

Scottish Government guidance on stay at home regulations that came into effect on 5 January 2021.

Businesses that have missed out on other forms of Covid-19 funding can apply for the Local Authority Discretionary Fund. This fund provides eligible businesses with £2,000 to support them through the latest Coronavirus restrictions.  These can be accessed via your Local Authority page. Below is an example of aLocal Authority page:

VisitScotland is providing businesses the opportunity to join this virtual travel trade event – Scotland Reconnect – on 27-29 April 2021. This provides the opportunity for businesses to meet with international travel trade from key international markets. Please visit the link below to learn more about this fantastic opportunity to reinvigorate your business.

Below is a summary of the quarantine rules for those travelling into Scotland. It will give you some advice for if you need to travel during the current period for essential reasons.

Visit Scotland provides links to several different support packages for the tourism, hospitality and events sectors. These are being updated as they become available.

Adventure and marine tourism businesses can apply for the new £2.5m fund to be administered by VisitScotland. This will help operators prepare for the 2021 visitor season. The fund is aimed at responsible tourism operators who provide sustainable outdoor related visitor activities.

The Apprentice Employer Grant (AEG) provides £5000 to businesses seeking to recruit new Modern of Graduate Apprentices, or to upskill existing employees aged 16-24 years.  Funding will be allocated on a first-come basis. Please see link below for further details and criteria for this fund.

If you are a business based along the West Highland Way, a Facebook group has been established to provide ongoing support and opportunities.  The iconic route has received high levels of media coverage in recent months as part of the 40th Anniversary of the route being established in 1980. The long distance walking route continues to be extremely popular and provides businesses in the area with opportunities to gain from the number of walkers who take on the full challenge, or who walk shorter sections of the route during day trips. Please follow this link below if this is of interest to you:

Scotland’s phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions has been outlined by the First Minister on February 23rd 2021.
The updated Strategic Framework sets out the six tools the Scottish Government will use to restore, on a phased basis, greater normality to the everyday lives of Scottish people.
This will give you a guide to what might be opening and when, so that you can plan ahead for your business.