**PLEASE NOTE: This fund has now closed**
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is urging Men’s Sheds in Scotland to take the time to look into this ‘Business Temporary Closure Fund’ opportunity, through their local authority, to check if grants are available in your area and if your Shed is eligible. Please note that Sheds with charity rates relief can apply.
SMSA has recently been made aware of three Sheds in the Borders that are already in receipt of this grant (backdated from the 26th December 2020).
The Business Temporary Closure Fund offers a grant of £2,000 or £3,000 (depending on rateable value) for businesses required to close by law for the duration protective measures are in place:
- £2,000 for premises which have a rateable value of up to and including £51,000; or
- £3,000 for premises which have a rateable value of £51,001 or above
Eligibility will depend on the level of restrictions which are in place at any point in time in the location of the business premises.
The grant is available for business with premises registered for Non-Domestic rates as at 1st November 2020. Business that pay rates through their landlords may also apply, and local authorities may request documentation proving this, such as a lease or a rental agreement, or other evidence showing that the applicant is explicitly or contractually liable for charges associated with non-domestic rates for the property.
Local authorities have the discretion to award grants to eligible businesses which lease or rent premises which are not rated, such as those leased from a council in a public park, provided they are satisfied with the validity and eligibility of individual cases.
Funds will be payable every four weeks in arrears for the duration measures are in place.
The fund is administered through your local authority and this opportunity is worth exploring to ensure there is not an application cut off date.
If your Shed is successful (or unsuccessful), please do keep SMSA informed at comms@scottishmsa.org.uk