A new grant scheme to support microbusinesses in Perth and Kinross launched 17 May.
The Perth & Kinross Micro Enterprise Fund has been designed to support businesses that employ fewer than 10 people, whether they are just starting out or looking to grow.
Awards of up to £1,000 can be made and the money can be used for a range of purposes such as the purchase of equipment, product or market development or commercial property development or acquisition.
Money can also be used to develop e-commerce platforms, digital transformation activities, marketing or as leverage for co-finance to secure additional investment.
The grants can used to cover up to 90% of eligible costs.
Sole traders, community groups, social enterprises and co-operatives are all eligible to apply and the only business sectors excluded are betting shops, gambling-related activities and off-licences.
The scheme is open to all businesses in Perth and Kinross who meet the above criteria.
Council leader Councillor Murray Lyle said: “Small businesses will be critical in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Around 60% of Scots are employed by small to medium-sized enterprises and, as such, microbusinesses are key to our economy.
“Whether it is a boutique shop, a café or a new business just getting started, these grants will help firms develop as we move out of the pandemic and so I am delighted the Council is able to administer these grants and help start our economic recovery.”
The fund is open for applications now at https://www.pkc.gov.uk/microenterprisefund
Over the past year, Perth & Kinross Council has paid out more than £80 million in business grants to help support businesses through the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. This scheme is part of a wider package of business support recently approved as part of the Economic Wellbeing plan.