Support for business

I live in South Lanarkshire, but my business is not based in South Lanarkshire

• Applications will only be accepted from businesses located in the South Lanarkshire area.

I do not live in South Lanarkshire but my business is located in South Lanarkshire

• If your business is based in South Lanarkshire you can apply.

Are there any types of businesses that this grant cannot support?

• Applications from Credit Unions, Gambling and Betting businesses, and licensed premises that do not serve food will not be supported by these grants. Applications directly pertaining to support for farming or agribusiness activities will also not be supported.
• Businesses that employ more than 10 employees

How long will it take for a decision to be made on my application?

• Once a fully completed application, together with all supporting documents, has been received, it will be allocated to a Business Support Officer and they will endeavour to reach a decision on your application within 5 working days with payment being made within 10 working days following approval. The grant is discretionary, meaning the council has the right to decide on the outcome of your application, and there is no appeal process. 

I intend to start my business soon but haven’t yet, can I still apply?

• No, your business needs to have been trading for at least one month and provide bank statements to demonstrate this trading. If you have been trading for two months, you will have to provide the two months bank statements and if you have been trading for three months you will have to provide your last three full bank statements.

I have just started trading, can I apply?

• If you have been trading for at least one month, then you can apply for this grant.

How do I demonstrate how long I have been trading for?

• If the bank statement(s) you provide demonstrates income received from clients or employee costs.
• If the bank statements do not give this evidence, you may be asked to provide other information such as invoices you have raised or social media presence.

I don’t have any employees, but I will employ someone soon if things pick up, so can I apply for the £3k grant?

• The £3,000 grant will only be considered for businesses that employ full-time staff at the time of application and can show wages or salaries through the business bank statements you have been asked to provide.

I need to buy a van to help my business grow

• Vans will not be considered eligible for support under this programme. Any specific customisation required may be considered for this grant, for example refrigeration.  

I can’t afford to buy the equipment and intend to lease it, can I apply?

• No. The equipment must be owned outright by the business to be eligible for support.

What do you class as full-time?

• The business operates on at least 5 days per week and you and your employees work 30+ hours per week. The full-time hours can also consist of more than one employee for example 2 part-time employees.

I don’t have a business bank account, can I still apply?

• Applications can be accepted from businesses that use a personal account as long as business transactions are clearly highlighted on the bank statements and evidence has been provided to show a full-time business, for example, website, social media, 3 months bank statements, and so on. Please ensure the statements are readable in full and do not black out any items, as these won’t be accepted.

Why do I need to provide cashflow projections?

• Applicants must show the need for public sector assistance and the ability to pay the other 50% required for the project and monthly cash flow projections are the most efficient way of doing this. Given the funding is paid on a successful application, the level of information required is slightly higher. However, a cash flow projection is also very useful for applicants contemplating a new project by highlighting potential crisis points for the business and helping to identify future funding needs. A template can be provided to assist you with this by emailing business.support@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

I am not VAT registered so why do I need to exclude VAT from the grant?

• The VAT element is not eligible for grant support. The grant is calculated on the cost excluding VAT.

I intend to pay by cash

• Unfortunately, we cannot support any expenditure that will be paid for by cash, you must provide a copy of the invoice and a copy of a full bank statement showing the payment being made.

I intend to pay by credit card

• This is acceptable as long as the cash flow projections prepared by the business show that the credit card will be repaid in full from the business to clear the card balance. If there are no payments being made to the credit card by the business, this will be ineligible for the grant.

Can I purchase second-hand equipment?

• Yes, second-hand equipment can be purchased and, as with the purchase of new items, a quote addressed to the business should be submitted. Warranties will also be considered on second-hand equipment.

Can I receive help in completing my application?

• Yes, you can email your details and questions to business.support@southlanarkshire.gov.uk and a Business Support officer will call or email you and offer advice on all aspects of the application process. A cash flow template can be provided if this would help.
• Wider help can be provided through Business Gateway Lanarkshire. We would encourage you to call the Business Gateway on 01698 520775 and speak to a business adviser to make sure you maximise the wider support available for your business and explore all the alternative sources of funding available. Whatever stage your business is at, Business Gateway offers practical help, advice, and support to help you grow your business, including workshops and events.

What will be accepted as a quote?

• A quote should be in written form, addressed to the business, detail the items to be purchased and clearly show the costs excluding any VAT. The grant will not support the VAT costs and is calculated on the cost excluding VAT. If the items are being purchased from a retailer who is unable to provide a quote please send a screenshot of the webpage and link to the website for the item you require that clearly shows the price.

Can I apply more than once to this fund?

• If your business is in need of further support after you have completed your project, you should discuss any further potential projects with your SLC Business Support officer by emailing business.support@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.
• Together with the South Lanarkshire Business Growth Grant, the maximum funding available to any one business from both UK Shared Prosperity funded grants will be £20,000. The Grant funds are available until 31 December 2024 or earlier if fully committed before then. 

I own a pub, can I apply?

• Licensed premises which serve food can apply for assistance with projects to enhance the food side of the business only.

I am not a British citizen; can I still apply?

• If you can provide evidence that you have a right to reside in the UK then you can make an application for the Micro Business Grant. In such circumstances, you will be asked to provide this evidence after you submit your application.

I work from home but want to do property improvements for my business. Am I eligible?

• No. Businesses operating from home, including Bed and Breakfast businesses, will be ineligible for the property improvements element of the grant as this is a private residence.