The Back to Business Fund will provide grants to allow companies to adapt their business model or premises to meet new challenges in their sector.

Grants will provide 100% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of £2,500, with one application per business.

“We carried out a survey recently among businesses asking for their priorities for moving forward after the pandemic, and the Back to Business Fund is a direct response to their feedback,” said Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee.

“Grants can be used to support specific projects or investments that will create a new business direction, product or service and open up new opportunities for economic growth.

“For example, the funding could be used to develop new or expanded online business activity, adapt premises to comply with covid restrictions or provide a safe environment for staff and customers, or to implement a diversification of a product or service.

“The fund is one of a range of supports provided directly by the council and through Business Gateway Lanarkshire to help businesses develop and grow.”

A downloadable application form, eligibility criteria and supporting evidence, and application guidance is all available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/support-businesses/back-business-fund.