BUSINESS Gateway is boosting its support to help businesses and the self-employed through the coronavirus crisis with virtual appointments, online workshops and support with access to Government grants available.
The advisory service said small to medium enterprises, which account for 99.3 per cent of all private sector businesses in Scotland, and 320,000 self-employed workers, are being severely affected by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
One-to-one appointments with specialist business advisors are available via video or telephone calls.
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All previously planned workshops are now available as webinars, and a suite of new resources has been developed to support businesses trying to adapt to new circumstances.
It includes a tutorial on business continuity planning, advice on shifting work to the home environment, how to use digital channels to communicate with customers and employees and support for those experiencing stress and anxiety.
Business Gateway is also working closely with local authorities to support the delivery of grants that will help businesses and the self-employed deal with the impact of Covid-19.
One-off grants are aimed at protecting jobs and preventing closures.
Business Gateway is one of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ teams, working in collaboration with a wide variety of organisations, including Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, to help deliver the best advice and support to Scottish businesses.
Steven Heddle, COSLA’s environment and economy spokesman, said: “The Covid-19 outbreak is undoubtedly one of the most significant peacetime challenges that this country has faced.
“I want to reassure business owners that Business Gateway and local authorities will continue to help them throughout the current crisis – whether that’s on the phone, a video call, a virtual workshop or through practical guidance on our website.
"We know that this situation feels confusing or overwhelming for business owners, and that having someone to speak to can be really helpful.”
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