Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said: “COSLA welcomes the Scottish Government’s announcement of a £100m fund for the newly self-employed suffering hardship and SMEs left vulnerable due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This includes the £34m Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund, which offers £2000 grants to those eligible for support.

“Local Authority online application forms for this Fund are available through the FindBusinessSupport website and councils will aim to make payments to qualifying applicants within 10 working days.

“Councils have really responded quickly to the need to provide such assistance during the pandemic, and we are pleased they are now ready to offer this much-needed support.

“COSLA has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Local Authorities to ensure easy access to this funding, and we are confident we will be able to get this money to where it is needed quickly and effectively.”

The package from the Scottish Government also comprises the £45m Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund, the £20m Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship Fund and £1m to top up Creative Scotland’s Bridging Businesses in the not-for-profit sector.