MSP WELCOMES LIFELINE SUPPORT TO HELP BUSINESSES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR NEW SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SCHEMES
 
A £100 million package of additional grant support for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and newly self-employed people in Midlothian and East Lothian is now open for applications. 
 
The three Scottish Government funds will be administered by local authorities and Scotland’s enterprise agencies and will begin to pay out grants in early May.
 
They include a £34 million hardship fund for the newly self-employed, a £20 million fund for small and micro enterprises in the creative, tourism and hospitality sectors and £45 million for viable SMEs crucial to the Scottish economy.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“Local businesses and industries in Midlothian and East Lothian will be understandably concerned about the impact that coronavirus will have on the local economy.
 
“These funds are intended to relieve the hardship of smaller firms in Midlothian and East Lothian that are ineligible for other forms of support - and is just one part of the support the Scottish Government is providing to individuals and businesses to protect jobs and incomes.”
 
"This package of support is welcome, and will help alleviate the hardship some individuals and companies in Midlothian and East Lothian may be facing.
 
"Applications are now open, and applicants can access these funds and more via the www.FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot website."