THE First Minister told businesses in Wales that it is working hard to get money and support to where it is needed to protect businesses and jobs.

At Friday's Welsh Government briefing, First Minister Mark Drakeford focussed on the economy, including the Economic Resilience Fund which has given extra support to businesses, charities and social enterprises.

He said nearly £1 billion had been delivered or was allocated more than 65,000 firms in Wales - but he said there was more to do.

He said: "It's hard to imagine that only three months have passed since launching our resilience fund.

"We're now beginning to understand how big that impact (of coronavirus) has been."

He said the Welsh Government had worked hard to repurpose budgets so that financial support is there where it's needed as quickly as possible.

"The package we have here in Wales goes above and beyond that available anywhere else in the United Kingdom."

The First Minister said the Welsh Government has provided the most comprehensive package of support for businesses in Wales, particularly for small businesses who are "the backbone of our economy".

"Our aim throughout has been to make sure that viable businesses will be able to continue to operate after coronavirus, and to go on supporting good quality jobs here in Wales." he added.

"The fund was designed from the beginning to 'fill in the gaps'.

"It has provided financial help to more than 6,800 small to medium businesses across Wales and 45 larger businesses based here.

The grant scheme will close at 5pm on Tuesday after the second phase opens for applications on Monday.

In addition, a new start up grant scheme will be set up for newer businesses that have missed out on support so far.

This will support businesses started in the last year impacted by the pandemic.

Mr Drakeford described the support to the start-up sector as "a real engine for our economy" as it generated "innovative jobs".

added: "Today we are also launching a new startup grant, aimed at recently established businesses. They have been excluded from the UK government's support scheme as they've not been trading long enough."

He said

Applications can be made via the Business Wales website from lunchtime on Monday. The eligibility checker is available to view now."