BORDERS businesses have received more than £40 million of coronavirus funding from the Scottish Government, according to the council.

The grants, administered by Scottish Borders Council, include the Strategic Framework Business Fund, Business Support Fund, and the Newly Self Employed Hardship Fund.

Councillor Mark Rowley, executive member for economic regeneration and finance, said: “We are continuing to deliver further support, whenever it is made available by the Scottish Government, to help businesses and the self-employed across a wide range of sectors who require further assistance or have not yet been eligible for support until now."

Of the £40m funding given so far, SBC has delivered £33.6m through the Business Support Fund; £6.2m through the Strategic Framework Business Fund; £288k through the Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund; £165k through the Contingency Fund; and £33k through the Bed and Breakfast Hardship Fund.

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Mr Rowley said: “Delivering business support has been a key priority for the council throughout the pandemic and has been an absolutely crucial lifeline to support and protect thousands of Borders businesses who have suffered financially throughout the pandemic and often really struggled. We are here to help."

On February 8, applications for the Borders Discretionary Support Fund for Business will open, in a bid to support businesses which have been unable to access funds since October last year and where sector support is unlikely.

Last week, South of Scotland Enterprise announced that £25m is being made available to the wedding sector in response to the difficulties the industry has faced since March.

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Applications to one-off grants of £25,000 are open to eligible businesses, such as venues, caterers, photographers, and suppliers.

Similar funding from Scottish Government will also be open to breweries, travel agents, and indoor football centres.

These business will be contacted by SBC directly to provide further information on the support available.

Mr Rowley added: “Local businesses are absolutely vital to us in the Borders, so ensuring the continued survival of our local businesses is of paramount importance.

"I urge every business, whether you have received support already or not, to keep checking the Find Business Support website for funds becoming available that you may be eligible for and apply when these are available.

"I also urge Borders residents to shop local and support local businesses whenever you can.”

Details of funding given out by the council can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/covid19business.