The Scottish Government has confirmed that Scotland will move beyond the current Level 0 restrictions for coronavirus from Monday 9th August.

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed when all venues across Scotland are able to reopen.

Some protective measures will stay in place, such as the use of face coverings indoors and the collection of contact details as part of Test and Protect.

Fund Now Open to Support Scottish Food and Drink Producers.

Applications have now opened for a fund to support Scottish food and drink suppliers and producers to invest in future growth.

The annual Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Grant Scheme (FPMC) will enable investment across a range of projects including buildings and equipment, feasibility studies, co-operative ventures and the improvement of supply-chain efficiency.

A total of £7.3 million is available in this financial year to support initiatives that will safeguard jobs and increase sector efficiency.

Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration Programme.

Inverkeithing businesses can access free business development support, grants advice and training as part of the Inverkeithing Heritage Regeneration programme.

The programme includes a small grants programme for historic building repairs, streetscape uplifts and wide-ranging training, skills development and engagement opportunities.

Enter the Fife Business Awards Now

The Fife Business Awards recognises brilliant Fife businesses of all shapes and sizes, rewarding success, and providing fantastic exposure for businesses looking to grow.

Anyone interested in applying must register by midnight on Monday 20^th September and all subsequent applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 26^th September.

Click here to find out more

eBike Business Loan 

The ebike Business Loan supports organisations that want to reduce the carbon impact of their transport and travel arrangements with new, more efficient alternatives.

Interest-free loans of up to £30,000 are available to help with the cost of purchase.

Click here to find out more.

Fife Businesses Encouraged to Enter Queens Award for Enterprise 

Have you considered applying for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise? The awards are the most prestigious awards for UK businessesof all sizes and sectors. Now more than ever is the time for your business to be recognised for its innovation on a global scale.

This year, over 90 per cent of winners were SMEs, with 44 businesses having ten employees or less. There were 13 winners from Scotland and it would be brilliant to see this increase for this year.

Click here to find out more.

Bayne's Opens First Drive-Up and Drive-Thru Bakers

Lochore headquartered bakery, Bayne’s The Family Bakers, is expanding with the launch of its first drive-up and drive-thru, based close to Junction 26 of the M8 motorway in Glasgow.
 
The £1 million purpose-built facility is expected to open later this year and will occupy a 0.8-acre plot in Hillington Park, Scotland’s largest business estate, with the creation of 14 jobs.

Read the full story now at https://www.fifebusinessmatters.co.uk/.

Business Charge Point Fund

To support the use of electric vehicles across Scotland, Transport Scotland offers grant funding to help organisations install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on their premises.

The funding is distributed by Energy Saving Trust and is currently available for charge points that will only be used by occupiers, staff and visitors.

Click here to find out more.

Additional £1 Million Annually for Third Sector Organisations 

Organisations across Scotland will share £21 million funding over three years to advance human rights, promote equality and tackle discrimination.

A total of 48 organisations – including five specialist human rights organisations – will benefit from the new Equality and Human Rights Fund. 

Find out more

Support for Green Port Proposals

Proposals to establish fair and sustainable green ports have attracted support from industry and public bodies after nine informal notes of interest were submitted by organisations across Scotland.

The Scottish green port model adapts the UK Government’s freeport model to fit the Scottish context and help deliver a net-zero emissions economy and Fair Work First approach, while supporting innovation, trade and inclusive growth.

Find out more

WEBINAR: Bookkeeping

This webinar will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage your finances and comply with regulatory and legal requirements through a relevant bookkeeping system.

Discover what financial measures and forecasts are needed by your business and how cash flow forecasting and profit and loss statements can help you grow your business.

Click here to find out more

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