East Lothian businesses have benefited from more than £17.5 million in funding from the Business Support Grants scheme, established by the Government and administered by East Lothian Council.
A total of £223,000 has also been paid out in Newly Self Employed Hardship Grants and B&B/Serviced Accommodation Hardship Grants.
Although these schemes are now closed to new applications, the support available to businesses from the council won’t stop there. We will continue to update our website with details of other funding streams available plus the direct support always available through our Business Gateway and Economic Development teams. More information is available on our website or email us at economicdevelopment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Details of interest-free loans of up to £15k for all sectors and start-ups are available from the East Lothian Investments websiteThis follows on from £65,000 of Business Interruption loans East Lothian Investments Ltd paid out to 15 companies to ease short term cash flow at the start of lockdown.
We have also launched our Stay Safe, Support Local, Love East Lothian campaign to encourage locals and visitors to fully explore the range of quality local businesses across East Lothian.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “This has been perhaps the most challenging time for businesses that we have ever experienced so I am really pleased that the council has been able to provide as much support as possible, and will continue to do so. A big ‘thank you’ to colleagues who worked really hard to process these grants as quickly as possible.
“As our high streets, hospitality industry and tourism-related businesses continue to re-open for business, our focus is moving more towards supporting them to attract more business and to do so safely. The message in our Stay Safe, Support Local, Love East Lothian campaign is very much that East Lothian is back open for business and leisure and we are ready to welcome customers and visitors existing and new.
“The council will continue to work with national bodies such as VisitScotland and Skills Development Scotland, and local businesses from every sector, to ensure there is support in place for all our industries to thrive and to ensure our workforce is as highly skilled as possible.
“I would urge all businesses in East Lothian to engage with us and to contact economic development for support with anything from starting-up, growing your business, moving or finding premises, skills training and funding.
“By working together we can do our best to ensure our valued, varied and innovative businesses survive and thrive after this pandemic.”