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COVID-19 Strategic Framework Business Fund

If a business is required to close by law or to significantly change its operations due to COVID-19 restrictions from 2 November 2020, it may be eligible for this grant funding. Whether a business is eligible will depend on where its premises are located and what level of restrictions are in place at any point in time.

Since 26th December 2020 Scotland has been in Level 4.  For businesses only those not specified as required to close under the legislation will be allowed to remain open to the public. The below table shows which businesses are eligible for Temporary Closure grant (Business restrictions do not apply during Level 4).

11 January announcement of top up grant for hospitality, retail and leisure  

If you have already applied for the Strategic Framework Fund and are eligible for the top up grant, this will automatically be added to your next payment. To receive the top up grant you must apply for the Strategic Framework Fund. If you are not eligible for the Strategic Framework Fund you are not eligible for the top up grant. Visit the Scottish Government website for more information.

Please note top up grants are only available to eligible businesses who have applied before the 5th February.

Please note, that the Strategic Framework has not fundamentally changed and the following examples are not in scope for this programme:

  • Professional Services - including law firms, accountants, etc.
  • Motor Vehicle Repairs
  • Early Years Education - i.e. nurseries
  • Consultancy Services - including IT and marketing
  • Training Centres
  • Mobile Close Contact Services

For a list of rateable businesses required to close by law and eligible for Top Up Grant please visit: Covid-19 Level 4 - Rateable businesses required to close by law and eligible for Top Up Grant

Please watch this how-to video before submitting your application to ensure your application is successfully received and efficiently processed.

How to video for Strategic Framework Business Fund applications

Businesses/Premises required to Close under Level 4

Temporary Closure Grant
Eligible Sectors
Level 4		 Temporary Closure Grant
Ineligible Sectors
Level 4
Accommodation

Hotels, B&Bs, Self-catering, Caravan and Camp Sites.

  
Hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, social clubs.

  
Retail
Non-essential retail.
  • Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
  • Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
  • Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
  • Newsagents.
  • Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
  • Petrol Stations, Car Repair and MOT
  • Services, Bicycle Shops, Taxi or Vehicle Hire Businesses.
  • Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Short-term Loan Providers, Savings Clubs, Cash Points and undertakings which by way of business operate a currency exchange office, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers.
  • Post Offices.
  • Funeral Directors.
  • Laundrettes and Dry Cleaners.
  • Dental Services, Opticians, Audiology Services, Chiropody Services, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health
  • Veterinary Surgeons and Pet Shops.
  • Agricultural Supplies Shops and Agricultural Markets.
  • Storage and Distribution Facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this sub-paragraph.
  • Car Parks.
  • Public Toilets, Livestock Markets or Auctions.
Close Contact Services
Hairdressers, Barbers, Beauticians, Tailors.		  
Sports and Exercise
Indoor Gyms, Swimming Pools, Dance Studios, Exercise Class/Yoga Studios.		  
Leisure and Entertainment
Cinemas, Arcades, Soft play, Funfairs, Indoor Bowling, Theatres, Comedy Clubs, Sports Stadiums, Conference or Exhibition Centres, Snooker/Pool Halls, Music Venues, Casinos, Bingo Halls, Nightclubs.
 		  

Visitor Attractions 

 

With effect from 26 December 2020:

  • tanning salon or premises which operates a self-tanning machine or a spray-tan booth
  • travel agency
  • premises laid out as a showroom to demonstrate products for installation in residential property, such as kitchen, bathroom, furniture or glazing showrooms
  • garden centre and plant nurseries  
  • homewares stores which are not suppliers of products and tools used in building work and repairs
  

Business Temporary Closure Grant

The business temporary closure grant is for business required to close by law:

  • £2,000 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000
  • £3,000 for premises which have a rateable value of £51,001 or above

This grant will be payable every four weeks, in arrears, for the duration protective measures are in place. 

Please visit the Scottish Government website to check the list of eligible business types/ sectors.

Business Restrictions Grant – not applicable in Level 4, please see Temporary Closure Grant above

The business restrictions grant is a grant for businesses that remain open but are specifically required to modify their operations by protective measures, payable every four weeks in arrears for the duration measures are in place. This means that your business is legally required to close earlier than normal, for example,  not that you have to adopt physical distancing or that the demand for your products or services has been reduced because of the pandemic or other restrictions which impact on individuals and communities:

  • £1,400 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000
  • £2,100 for premises which have a rateable value of £51,001 or above

Please visit the Scottish Government website to check the list of eligible business types/ sectors.

Businesses only need to apply once, if your claim is approved payments will be processed automatically as long as restrictions are in place and you remain eligible for support.

From 1 January 2021 there will no longer be an upper limit on future payments for any eligible business operating multiple premises.  Business applying for the first time on or after 1 January should submit individual applications to each relevant local authority for all relevant premises in that area.

How to Apply

Apply for Strategic Framework Business Fund

Contact Us

businessgrowthteam@aberdeencity.gov.uk  

01224 346145

Please note that due to the volume of claims we will not be able to provide updates on specific applications while in process.  For queries when you will receive your grant please see ‘When will grants be paid?’ FAQ below

Frequently Asked Questions

What support is available?

Business Temporary Closure Grant

The business temporary closure grant is for business required to close by law:

  • £2,000 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000
  • £3,000 for premises which have a rateable value of £51,001 or above

This grant will be payable every four weeks, in arrears, for the duration protective measures are in place. 

Business Restrictions Grant

The business restrictions grant is a grant for businesses that remain open but are specifically required to modify their operations by protective measures, payable every four weeks in arrears for the duration measures are in place. This means that your business is legally required to close earlier than normal, for example, not that you have to adopt physical distancing or that the demand for your products or services has been reduced because of the pandemic or other restrictions which impact on individuals and communities:

  • £1,400 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000
  • £2,100 for premises which have a rateable value of £51,001 or above

Grants are payable every four weeks, in arrears, for the duration measures are in place. 

 

Who is eligible?

Eligibility will depend on where your premises are located and what level of restrictions are in place at any point in time.

The schedules of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 contain the measures for each level:

  • Part 1 of each Schedule contains the Business Closures, and
  • Part 2 contains the Business Restrictions.
  • Any business type or sector not specifically mentioned is ineligible.

General criteria

  • your business has been directly impacted by restrictions, and the type/ sector is specifically mentioned under Scottish Government tier level eligibility 
  • The business must have a business bank account
  • The business premises must be registered for Non-Domestic rates. Businesses that pay rates through their landlords rather than directly to a Council are eligible to apply (evidence to be provided)
  • Businesses which have breached wider COVID regulations/requirements prior to local restrictions are not eligible to apply. Breaches are defined as notices served/Enforcement of requirements by Authorities. Breaches during restrictions will also lead to ineligibility.
  • Businesses with connections to tax havens, as set out in the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020, are not eligible to apply

Level 4 From Boxing Day

From the 26th December 2020 Scotland will go into Level 4 restrictions for a minimum of 3 weeks. For businesses this will mean only ‘essential retail’ will be allowed to remain open to the public. The below table shows which businesses are eligible for Temporary Closure grant (Business restrictions do not apply during Level 4).

Please note the next scheduled payment date will be the 25th January, applications must be submitted and approved by the 18th January in order to be considered in this payment run (eligible claimants who miss this deadline will receive back dated payment in February scheduled payment). 

Businesses/Premises required to Close under Level 4

Temporary Closure Grant
Eligible Sectors
Level 4		 Temporary Closure Grant
Ineligible Sectors
Level 4
Accommodation

Hotels, B&Bs, Self-catering, Caravan and Camp Sites.

  
Hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, social clubs.

  
Retail
Non-essential retail.
  • Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
  • Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
  • Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
  • Newsagents.
  • Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
  • Petrol Stations, Car Repair and MOT
  • Services, Bicycle Shops, Taxi or Vehicle Hire Businesses.
  • Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions, Short-term Loan Providers, Savings Clubs, Cash Points and undertakings which by way of business operate a currency exchange office, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers.
  • Post Offices.
  • Funeral Directors.
  • Laundrettes and Dry Cleaners.
  • Dental Services, Opticians, Audiology Services, Chiropody Services, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health
  • Veterinary Surgeons and Pet Shops.
  • Agricultural Supplies Shops and Agricultural Markets.
  • Storage and Distribution Facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this sub-paragraph.
  • Car Parks.
  • Public Toilets, Livestock Markets or Auctions.
Close Contact Services
Hairdressers, Barbers, Beauticians, Tailors.		  
Sports and Exercise
Indoor Gyms, Swimming Pools, Dance Studios, Exercise Class/Yoga Studios.		  
Leisure and Entertainment
Cinemas, Arcades, Soft play, Funfairs, Indoor Bowling, Theatres, Comedy Clubs, Sports Stadiums, Conference or Exhibition Centres, Snooker/Pool Halls, Music Venues, Casinos, Bingo Halls, Nightclubs.
 		  
Visitor Attractions   

 

Who Cannot Apply?

You cannot apply if your business:

  • Type or sector is not specifically mentioned (as set out in Schedule 4 Level 3 of the The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020. To check to see if your business is eligible click here.
  • Has breached wider COVID-19 regulations/requirements prior to local restrictions.
  • Has connections to tax havens, as set out in the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020, are not eligible to apply.
     

Can I apply for multiple premises? 

Yes, as of the 1st of January the cap on multiple premises has been removed.
You must apply for each property through a separate application form submission, multiple properties cannot be claimed for under one form.

How do I find my premises rateable value?

You can find your properties rateable value on your Non-Domestic Rates bill issued by Aberdeen City Council or alternatively you can use the non-domestic rates calculator. It can also be found on website of the Scottish Assessor Association.
 

Eligibility – general

Eligibility will depend on where your premises are located and what level of restrictions are in place at any point in time.
The schedules of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 contain the measures for each level:

  • Part 1 of each Schedule contains the Business Closures, and
  • Part 2 contains the Business Restrictions.
  • Any business type or sector not specifically mentioned is ineligible.

General criteria

  • your business has been directly impacted by restrictions, and the type/ sector is specifically mentioned under Scottish Government tier level eligibility 
  • The business must have a business bank account
  • The business premises must be registered for Non-Domestic rates. Businesses that pay rates through their landlords rather than directly to a Council are eligible to apply (evidence to be provided)
  • Businesses which have breached wider COVID regulations/requirements prior to local restrictions are not eligible to apply. Breaches are defined as notices served/Enforcement of requirements by Authorities. Breaches during restrictions will also lead to ineligibility.
  • Businesses with connections to tax havens, as set out in the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020, are not eligible to apply
     

What evidence do I need to provide?

Recent Business Account Bank Statement in the name of your business, clearly showing the account details (including account holder name, account number and sort code) and transactions in order for us to verify these match the details provided on the application form. For fraud prevention we cannot accept bank app screengrabs, partial or redacted statements. Only information that should be redacted is customer or employee personal information.

Business Organisation Document select the most appropriate option for your business type: 

  • Company (inc. Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations and Community Interest Companies): Certificate of Incorporation or Companies House/SCIO registration number. 
  • Partnership: Partnership agreement or HMRC registration.
  • Sole Trader: HMRC registration, Self-assessment documents or valid business insurance document.
  • Trust: Constitution documents, HMRC registration or VAT registration document.

Lease if  you are not the named non-domestic rates payer and instead contribute through your landlord, a copy of your lease or other evidence that you are required to contribute to the Non-domestic Rates cost for the premises.  Please note if the lease does not specify it is a rates inclusive agreement no payment can be made.

When will grants be paid?

Grants will be paid every four weeks in arrears.  You will not need to re-apply if restrictions are extended beyond four weeks. Eligible businesses will be funded for the period of any closures or restrictions.

Payment Schedule
 
Month Restriction Period Deadline application must be approved by Payment Date

November

 2nd Nov - 30th Nov 26/11/2020 30/11/2020
December 30th Nov - 28th Dec 16/12/2020 21/01/2021
January 4 weeks up to 25th Jan 18/01/2021 25/01/2021
January second run payment* 4 weeks up to 25th Jan 27/01/2021 02/02/2021
February 25th Jan - 22th Feb 16/02/2021 22/02/2021
March 22nd Feb - 22nd Mar 16/03/2021 22/03/2021

 

*one off additional payment run to cover backlog of payments for eligible applicants who applied in January. Depending on  volume additional payment runs may be set up.

Please note if your application is not approved until after the deadline, you will receive your payment on the next scheduled payment date.  The date the payment arrives in your account will very depending on how your bank processes BACs payments.

If you grant claim is approved any time after November you will receive backdated payments for the previous weekly restriction periods, as long as your business was eligible for support at those times.

When restrictions end, any final payment in arrears may be adjusted to reflect the duration of the restrictions to the nearest week.

If there is any change to your business circumstances which make impact your eligibility you must notify Aberdeen City Council as soon as possible. 

Please note we cannot provide individual breakdowns for payments, please refer to the schedule .

How can I apply for the Discretionary fund.

Discretionary Business Fund is now live and offers one-off grants for Aberdeen businesses not eligible for the Strategic Framework fund.

Discretionary Business Fund  

In addition to this the Scottish Government announced £185m package of support for various sectors, many of the schemes will be delivered by external agencies from Local Authorities. To find out more go to Find Business Support 
 

Related Content

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