Almost £16million in coronavirus support funding has been paid out to 1,344 businesses in Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeenshire Council has been processing up to 300 grant applications per day to ensure local businesses receive the important funding.
The funding is provided by the Scottish Government and administered by local authorities, with eligible ratepayers able to apply for a one-off grant payment.
In addition to the other business support mechanisms including the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme, the Scottish Government announced on 15 April that £220million of further grants are being made available for businesses, including an extension to the Small Business Grant scheme & additional support for self-employed. Details on how to access this funding are expected to be available by early May.
Cllr Jim Gifford, leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: "Our businesses are the backbone of our local economy and we are acutely aware of the pressures COVID-19 has placed on them. Teams across multiple council services, as well as local and national partners, have been working cohesively to ensure we can get the Business Support Fund grants paid out as quickly as possible and I am pleased to see the significant funds paid out to date.
"I would like to emphasise the importance of accurately completing the application to ensure that it can be successfully processed in a timely manner. Please make use of the assistance on offer through ourselves and Business Gateway to complete the form if required.
"I'd also encourage businesses to visit the COVID-19 section of Aberdeenshire website to access accurate information about all available support. Please be assured that we are here to support your business as far as possible."
The deadline for applications to the Business Support Fund is 31 March 2021. Visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/business-covid-19/