ACCELERATED EASING OF RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCED

The easing of restrictions has been brought forward as data shows continued progress on vaccination against Coronavirus (COVID-19) and suppression of the virus.

The announcement means that six people from six households can meet outdoors from today (Friday 16th April) and travel within Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise will also be allowed.

Should data permit, the whole of Scotland will then be in Level 3 from Monday 26 April which allows further easing of restrictions.

Smart Scotland Grant Now Available

The SMART:SCOTLAND grant is a research and development (R&D) grant offered by Scottish Enterprise to support high-risk, highly ambitious projects.

It provides funding to support feasibility studies that help to show your idea could work in the real world.

Grants can support up to 70 per cent of the eligible costs depending on the size of the organisation and the maximum grant is £100,000.

Click here to find out more

Part Funded Training Available for New or Existing Staff

Through the Modern Apprenticeship programme, you can now offer part-funded training for new or existing staff in over 80 different areas.

You'll pay your Modern Apprentice’s wages.  Skills Development Scotland will make a financial contribution to the training costs.

Click here to find out more

Recovery Loan Scheme Now Available

The Recovery Loan Scheme is designed to provide support to UK businesses as they recover and grow following the disruption of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The scheme ensures that businesses of any size can continue to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £10 million per business once the existing COVID-19 loan schemes close.

The UK Government will guarantee 80 per cent of the finance to the lender to give them the confidence to lend to businesses.

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Falkland Food Market Pumps Cash Back Into Local Economy

Fife’s popular click and collect farmer’s market, Falkland NeighbourFood has injected nearly £12,000 into the local economy since launching last June at the Centre of Stewardship, Falkland Estate. 

Over 400 baskets of produce have been sold over the last six months at the market’s weekly Thursday collection. 

A total of 20 producers sell through Falkland’s weekly market including Pittenweem Preserves, Falkland Kitchen Farm, Woodmill Game and Growers Garden

The full story can be found in the latest edition of Fife Business Matters - read it now at  https://www.fifebusinessmatters.co.uk/

Green Jobs Funding Call

The green jobs call is part of a series of funding rounds that will open and close for applications periodically.

The first call, opening on 18th May 2021, offers funding of between £50,000 and £500,000 to help Scottish businesses to create green jobs or minimise environmental impacts by developing sustainable low carbon products or services.

Find out more

‘Clear Your Head’ Mental Health Campaign More Important Than Ever

People’s mental health has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic – particularly by the challenges presented, the associated stresses, and the national restrictions.  

Research shows that 18-44 year olds are more likely to worry than those aged 45+, and this is even higher among young women in this age group.   

The Scottish Government hope to support this younger population to look after their mental health via this phase of their national campaign.

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Find out how to access the knowledge and skills you need to approach the set-up of your website and social media presence - considering what you can do yourself, and where you might need some help.

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Extensive Range of Webinars and Online Tutorials From Business Gateway 

Business Gateway has an extensive range of webinars delivered locally and nationally across Scotland to help businesses through COVID-19.

In addition, the website also offers a number of pre-recorded online tutorials which can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Here to Help - Request a Call Back from a Business Adviser

We understand things may be extremely challenging at the moment whether it's dealing with financial issues, supporting your employees, or understanding what needs to be in place to enable you to safely reopen.

If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, our business advisers are here to help.

Request a call back now

Free Online Workshops and Seminars 

Our exciting events programme is packed with workshops and training seminars which will help you to learn new skills, implement new ideas and improve your operations, as you look to rebuild your business.

Featuring new seminars on key topics such as managing your online reputation and producing your own video content, as well as some of the most popular courses to take control of your website, marketing activities and bookkeeping, we are here to support your business and help upskill your team. 

Find out more and download the brochure now

SUPPORT PACKAGES AVAILABLE 

Business Rates Support for Fife Businesses

Funding for Social Enterprise Businesses from Firstport 

The Creative Sector