The application process for businesses to apply for financial assistance as a result of COVID-19 is now open and live on Falkirk Council’s website.

Small firms who currently receive small business bonus rates relief will be eligible for a £10,000 grant.

You can also get this grant if you applied for Nursery Relief, Business Growth Accelerator or Disabled Relief but are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme.

There will be 12 months rates relief for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail for 2020-2021.

The Scottish Government is also providing a £25,000 grant for businesses in hospitality, leisure and retail with a building with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000.

This is the rateable value as at 17 March 2020 regardless of any subsequent reduction in rateable value due to an appeal. This is only available if they were the ratepayer for a premises occupied for that business use on 17 March 2020.

An updated list of the types of retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses who are eligible or not for the one-off £25,000 grant can be found here.

Eligible ratepayers can apply for a one-off grant payment, only one grant is allowed per ratepayer regardless of the number of premises held.

This is a grant, not a loan, so you will not have to repay this money.

You will need to complete all of the parts of the application that apply to you in full.

You will need to have your rates reference number and also a business bank statement within the last 3 months.

Please contact Falkirk Delivers Bid Manager Elaine Grant on 07496661281 if you need any assistance completing this form.

Falkirk has also complied a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, please visit here for more information.

To access the application pack, please visit Falkirk Council website for more information.

Falkirk Council will review your application and assess if you are eligible for the grant.

They will aim to make payment within 10 working days from acknowledgement of a fully completed application.

The deadline for applications to the Business Support Fund is 31 March 2021.