NORTH Ayrshire Council are urging local businesses to apply for grants to help support them during the coronavirus pandemic.

The local authority want to make small businesses throughout the area aware of the funding being made available by Nicola Sturgeon at Holyrood.

The Scottish Government has set up two funds that will provide support and mitigate for loss of earnings during the COVID-19 crisis.

A £10,000 grant to ratepayers of businesses in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief is now accessible.

However, companies with a rateable value of up to £18,000 are eligible.

This is also available if they’ve applied for Nursery Relief or Disabled Relief but are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme.

Meanwhile, retail, hospitality and leisure business ratepayers with a rateable value between £18,001 to £50,999 can apply for a one-off grant of £25,000.

The council are processing application forms on behalf of the Scottish Government and businesses should apply if they meet the criteria.

Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “These are really uncertain times for local businesses and we would urge them to apply if they meet the criteria as set out by the Scottish Government.

“The grants will provide some cashflow and ease some of the early burden, particularly the most fragile businesses.

“The money will provide them with an element of security to allow business owners and employees to focus on staying and well."

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