Small businesses in Fife’s main town centres could now get a £100 grant towards the cost of public health and safety measures required to reopen safely and cope with Covid-19.
The cash boost has been factored into Fife Council’s coronavirus support package for local firms, with applications now being invited from businesses based in town centres situated in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, St Andrews, Cupar, Cowdenbeath, Leven, Lochgelly, Burntisland, Anstruther, Newburgh, Inverkeithing, Rosyth, Dalgety Bay and Kincardine.
Grants can reimburse costs already spent on PPE such as face masks, visors and gloves for use by staff or customers; hand sanitiser and sanitiser dispensing units; protective screens at cash desks and other public interface areas; internal signage related to public safety; and other items which may be considered eligible at the discretion of Fife Council.
Only small businesses can apply. These must operate from premises that are accessed by the public, have no more than three outlets in a chain, and have no more than five full-time equivalent employees per outlet.
Labour councillor Altany Craik, convener for Fife Council’s economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee, said: “As we welcome people back to Fife’s town centres, this new grant can give some much-needed help to many of our smaller businesses, as they try and recover from the lockdown.
“It can help the likes of shops, cafes and offices comply with the current public health regulations, giving some added confidence and comfort to staff and customers alike, to stay local and spend local.”
Businesses can apply online at Business Gateway Fife, by visiting their website at https://www.businessgatewayfife.com/covid-safety-grant and completing a short online form.
Any business needing further help or advice, or details of other forms of support available, can get in touch with Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 or email info@bgfife.co.uk.
