FindBusinessSupport has published advice, funding and local and regional support for businesses to help reduce the cost of running a business.

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A business grant can help you fund a specific project if you meet the criteria. You will not have to repay the grant as long as you keep to its conditions.

A grant may only cover part of the total cost of your project. You may need to contribute funding alongside the grant.

Regional EDGE

To celebrate entrepreneurial talent in regions with historically lower levels of engagement with Scottish EDGE, Regional EDGE is inviting all start-ups with growth ambitions from Tayside, the North East, the Highlands and Islands and the South of Scotland to apply.

Now in its second year, Regional EDGE awards funding through a competitive Scottish EDGE process. The awards are managed by region-specific partners, including Elevator and GrowBiz (Tayside). Each region will host its own final, selecting five winners per area. Awards in each region will consist of one top award of £50,000, two £15,000, and two £10,000 awards.

Beyond the funding, winners join the EDGE alumni network, gaining exclusive access to expert business mentorship and a wide-reaching community of contacts. Additionally, every applicant receives professional feedback from an expert panel to help refine their business strategy.

Entries for the Regional EDGE competition open on 14 January 2026 at 9am, followed by a virtual application workshop on 20 January to support prospective entrants. The application window remains open until 2pm on 11 February, with live pitching finals and awards following in each region between 12 to 26 March.

Find out more about the fund and how to apply.

Agritourism Investment Fund

A £1 million capital grant scheme for agritourism businesses, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and the Islands, Mairi Gougeon, at the Scottish Agritourism conference in November, has opened for applications.

The Agritourism Investment Scheme (AIS), will provide flexible capital support for investment in agritourism businesses, to help enable financially sustainable, profitable, and resilient businesses that will play a key role in sustaining the future of Scottish agriculture.

The application window opened on 19 January 2026 and will close at midnight on 13 March 2026.

Find out more about the fund and how to apply.

Angus Business Skills Fund

The Angus Business Skills Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 for SMEs in Angus. This initiative aims to empower the local business community by supporting workforce development through tailored training at Dundee and Angus College. This grant is provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Angus Council.

This fund is not just about financial support; it’s a strategic investment in your workforce. It focuses on enhancing employee experience, fostering professional growth, and boosting talent retention—all vital components for sustainable business success.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Angus can apply for funds to access a wide range of training and upskilling opportunities offered by Dundee and Angus College, helping your team to develop essential skills and drive your business forward.

Find out more about the fund and how to apply.

Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Innovation: Feasibility Studies

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will invest up to £5 million into supply chain innovation projects.

The aim of this competition is to support feasibility studies to explore new ways of making supply chains more resource efficient and resilient. This will be achieved by addressing cross cutting challenges faced by the six Industrial Strategy’s growth driving sectors and the Advanced Manufacturing frontier industries in scope.

Your proposal must be aligned to at least two of the following six high growth sectors defined in the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Alternatively, it must be aligned to at least two of the advanced manufacturing frontier industries identified in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan.

Your project must have a grant funding request between £50,000 and £100,000. This can cover up to 70% of costs, depending on business size. Your project must be a feasibility study, focus on solutions that are either new or not yet widely used, and address improvements in supply chain resilience and resource efficiency that are transferable across sectors or industries.

Applications close on 11 March 2026.

Find out more and apply.

Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Innovation Grants

The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership (OWGP) is the UK’s flagship supply chain growth funding and
business support organisation dedicated to offshore wind.   OWGP was established by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) as part of the 2019 Offshore Wind Sector Deal to support the growth of the offshore wind supply chain and operates as a not-forprofit organisation, funded by developers represented through OWIC.

The purpose of the Innovation Grant is to fund projects focused on targeting Industrialised Foundations and Substructures; and Substations and Electrical Design within the UK offshore wind sector and ultimately develop new products and services. The call is open to a wide range of proposals across the existing supply chain and beyond, to fund projects that will overcome challenges associated with the innovation priority areas identified by industry. The call is targeted to address key challenges in the UK offshore wind supply chain, with projects that will:

a) Address offshore wind innovation priorities as identified by industry
b) Lead to an increase in UK jobs, turnover, intellectual property, and exports in the
offshore wind sector

Projects must be delivered in the UK, meaning that the project team must be based and significant majority of the economic benefits are expected to be realised in the UK. For the avoidance of doubt, OWGP will consider (and encourages) proposals targeted towards export opportunities.

To be eligible to apply, organisations must be a UK-registered business and must be able to contribute at least 50% of the total project budget. Your project’s total eligible OWGP funded costs must be between £25,000 and £200,000. Applicants will have until 20th March 2026 at 5pm to submit the full application.

Find out more and apply.

Great British Energy (GBE) Supply Chain Fund: Offshore Wind and Networks

The GBE Supply Chain Fund: Offshore Wind and Networks (the Fund) launched on 11 December 2025. The Fund will award up to £300 million in capital grant funding to build UK manufacturing capacity for key constrained components in offshore wind and enabling electricity networks sectors.

The Fund’s application window opened on 11 December 2025 and will close on 10 December 2026 (or earlier if fully allocated.) Grant funding must be drawn down between April 2026 and March 2030.

Growth in demand for offshore wind and electricity networks components is outpacing supply chain capacity, resulting in bottlenecks, longer lead times, higher project costs and project delays. This risks delaying critical projects and risking the UK’s renewable energy ambitions. The Fund will target investment towards the most constrained offshore wind and electricity networks components to address critical supply chain constraints and enhance supply chain security in the UK.

There is no minimum or maximum restriction on the size of the grant sought from GBE. However, the amount of grant requested must represent the minimum necessary for the project to proceed, and will also be assessed on value for money.

Find out more and apply.

Electric Car Grant

The Electric Car Grant offers banded grant levels for vehicles priced at £37,000 or below, with eligibility criteria based on the sustainability of vehicle manufacturing.

The highest grant, available for cars with the lowest carbon emission scores, is £3,750. The second level of grant is £1,500.

The grant is only available for vehicles that have been approved as eligible.

This marks the largest consumer incentive investment to date, reflecting the government’s commitment to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030.

The funding will be available until the 2028-29 financial year, giving both manufacturers and buyers a clear window to plan ahead.

Find out more about the Electric Car Grant and how to apply.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a partnership open to businesses or not-for-profit organisations, research organisations and graduates to work on an innovation project. Funding is provided to support the total cost of the project – businesses provide around one-third to half of the project costs depending on their size.

UK Research and Innovation are looking for partnerships that help businesses to innovate, develop, grow and become more productive by employing academic expertise that they do not have in-house. As a business, you may be looking for an academic partner to help you to address a particular innovation challenge.

Your business will have to contribute to the costs of the project, including the salary of the graduate, known as the associate, and the cost of a supervisor to oversee the project.

Find out more about a KTP and how to apply.

SMART: SCOTLAND Grants

The SMART: SCOTLAND grant is a research and development (R&D) grant that aims to support high-risk, highly ambitious projects.

It provides support to conduct feasibility studies. It’s only available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Scotland, and supports activities that have a commercial endpoint.

Studies must last between 6 and 18 months, and the maximum grant is £100,000.

Applications are accepted all year round. Find out more.

National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations

The National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations aims to continue to support organisations who seek funding to undertake creative activity such as a specific project or production, a programme of creative work, or a period of research and development.

Any type of constituted artistic, creative or cultural organisation based in Scotland can apply, but as the funding comes from the National Lottery, and is intended to support activity that maximises public benefit, any project that seeks support for commercial activity where the primary purpose is to create a profit is unlikely to be successful.

Eligible organisations can apply for funding between £1k and £100k for projects or programmes lasting up to 18 months. The fund is open all year round – with no deadlines.

Find out more and apply to the National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations.

Techstart Ventures Equity Finance

The Scottish Growth Scheme is a package of financial support of up to £500 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. Backed by the Scottish Government, it aims to help businesses grow.

This funding includes Techstart Ventures Equity Finance, which is managed by Techstart Ventures on behalf of the Scottish Government. It provides equity finance of up to £2 million, in rounds of up to £10 million, for eligible businesses.

The equity funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including growth funding, research and development, working capitaland capital expenditure.

Techstart Ventures invests principally in early stage startups and SMEs who are developing innovative new products with high growth and export potential. Find out more and enquire.

Scotland’s Heat Network Fund

This Scottish Government fund encourages commercial interest and investment that will help make the most of Scotland’s vast potential in the low carbon sector and contribute to the positive progress already made in reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Eligible projects must be large-scale and based in Scotland. As well as helping reduce emissions, successful projects should also have positive social and economic benefits for Scotland.

This funding will cover up to 50% of the eligible capital expenditure of the project. You will need to cover the rest through other sources.

Proposals can be submitted to the fund at any time. Find out more and apply.

 

Visit FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot for details of other funding streams currently available. 

A business loan can help with start-up costs, growth, and development. 

It will need to be repaid over a pre-agreed time. You may pay interest on the loan. The repayment period and interest rate will vary depending on the provider’s terms.

Investment Fund for Scotland

British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland will deliver a £150 million commitment of new funding to the country. The fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Scotland.

The Investment Fund for Scotland offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund covers the whole of Scotland, including rural, coastal and urban areas.

Learn more about the Investment Fund for Scotland and how to apply.

Business Energy Scotland SME Loan Scheme

Loans of up to £100k are available to help you pay for energy and carbon-saving upgrades in your business. You could also receive a cashback grant of up to £30k.

An SME loan can be used to finance the installation of a range of eligible measures including:

• heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades
• renewable heat technologies such as installing an air source heat pump
• improving insulation, draught-proofing, double or secondary glazing
• installing LED lighting
• installing solar thermal systems, wind turbines and biomass boilers

Learn more about the SME Loan Scheme and how to apply.

Start Up Loans

Apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan of £500 to £25,000 to start or grow your business. Unlike a business loan, this is an unsecured personal loan. You’ll get free support and guidance to help write your business plan, and successful applicants get up to 12 months of free mentoring.

A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. All owners or partners in a business can individually apply for up to £25,000 each, with a maximum of £100,000 available per business.

The Start Up Loans Company is a subsidiary of the British Business Bank.

Learn more about Start Up Loans.

Michelin Development Fund

Michelin Development in the UK aims to contribute to the economic regeneration and long-term prosperity of the areas in which Michelin’s sites are/were located.

The Michelin Development Fund offers unsecured loans from £5,000 through Michelin’s associate bank at a subsidised interest rate, with a repayment period of three to five years.

A Michelin Development loan can be used for a whole range of projects which are linked to the creation of jobs. This could include purchase of capital equipment, process improvement, working capital and marketing – to name but a few.

Your business must be an SME in the manufacturing, engineering, or service sector. You must be based in, or relocating to, one of the eligible areas which in Angus cover Carnoustie, Arbroath, and Forfar.

Learn more about the Michelin Development Fund and how to apply.

Funding Circle

Funding Circle is part of the Government-backed British Business Bank Investment Programme. The programme aims to support economic growth by providing more efficient finance to small businesses.

As well as offering business loans up to £500,000, Funding Circle is accredited by the Government-owned British Business Bank to provide business loans of £25,001 to £250,000 under the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS).

The amount your loan will cost will depend on the amount of money you want to borrow, your interest rate and your loan term.

Learn more about the Funding Circle.

Princes Trust Youth Business Scotland

The Princes Trust Youth Business Scotland scheme provides support if you are aged between 18 and 30 years old and starting a business. The programme also includes training and mentoring support.

Low-interest loans for business purposes between £500 to £25,000 are available. The scheme also offers business grants for small start-ups in some circumstances.

Learn more about the Princes Trust Youth Business Scotland scheme.

Crowdfunding is an alternative way to raise money for your idea from the people around you. Crowdfunding Angus provides expert crowdfunding coaching, events and grants to fund new business ideas.

Examples of suitable projects include those that:

• reduce child poverty
• improve mental health and wellbeing
• improve accessibility
• improve connectivity
• have the support of the Angus community

By asking the “crowd” to invest in your idea through an online campaign, you can secure the funding you need to deliver your concept. 

Crowdfunding is also a powerful tool to help you test new ideas with your customers and improve those ideas based on feedback.

Learn more about Crowdfund Angus

This type of funding applies to businesses who want to reduce their environmental impact by becoming more energy efficient.

Business Energy Scotland

Criteria: Small and medium sized businesses

Business Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free and impartial support to help small and medium-sized businesses save energy, carbon and money.

Previously known as the Energy Efficiency Business Support Service, Business Energy Scotland launched in April 2022 and is managed by Energy Saving Trust.

Whether you are just starting out on your energy-saving journey and need some pointers or are looking for expertise and funding to support your current plans, Business Energy Scotland’s team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving consultants are here to help.

Learn more about Business Energy Scotland

Circular Economy Investment Fund and Business Support Service

Criteria: Circular economy product or business model

Circular Tayside provides knowledge and resources to help businesses join the circular economy business movement. The service is run by Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Zero Waste Scotland. 

The fund is available to micro-enterprises, SMEs, social enterprises, and third sector organisations. It can help you to:

• introduce an innovative circular economy product
• Make the change to an innovative circular economy business model

Grants of between £50,000 and £1m are available. Free business support is also available to help organisations develop their circular economy idea.

Learn more about the Circular Economy Investment Fund and Business Support Service

Local Energy Scotland

Criteria: Non-profit organisations and rural businesses

Local Energy Scotland manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). This scheme offers advice about all aspects of local, renewable energy. It also offers funding to support your project.

Loans and grants of up to £150,000 are available for local energy projects.

Learn more about Local Energy Scotland

There are some organisations that offer funding for social enterprises, charities, and community projects.

Firstport

Criteria: New social enterprises

Firstport is part of the Scottish Government’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund. It supports new and emerging social entrepreneurs across Scotland. It offers business support, funding and resources to help you start a social enterprise in Scotland.

Learn more about the Firstport funding scheme

Nesta

Criteria: Innovative social ventures

Nesta invests in social ventures offering innovative products or services that help address the UK’s most pressing challenges. Examples of these challenges include:

• the ageing population
• educational attainment
• environmentally sustainable communities

Nesta can help your social enterprise understand opportunities, test new ideas, and scale up. 

Learn more about Nesta

Scottish Co-Investment Fund

Criteria: SMEs with less than 250 employees and less than €50m turnover

The Scottish Co-Investment Fund aims to address funding gaps for businesses who are expanding into new markets or are developing new products. Scottish Enterprise manages this fund in partnership with accredited investment partners. 

This is an equity fund with deals brought forward by partners of the Scottish Enterprise. The investment partner invests on equal terms with the Scottish Enterprise.

The fund can:

• Match accredited investment partners up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding package on a commercial basis
• Typically provide from £100,000 up to £2 million, as part of a total deal size typically ranging from £200,000 up to £10 million

Learn more about the Scottish Co-Investment Fund

The Scottish Venture Fund

Criteria: Requires secure funding offer from private sector investor(s)

The Scottish Venture Fund aims to address funding gaps for businesses who are seeking funding to develop products or new markets. This fund is managed by Scottish Enterprise.

This  Scottish Venture Fund can invest alongside private sector investors on equal terms. You need to secure an offer of funding from a private sector investor before you can approach Scottish Enterprise. They can then assess the gap in your investment package.

The fund typically provides from £100,000 up to £2 million, as part of a total deal size typically ranging from £200,000 to £10 million.

Learn more about the Scottish Venture Fund

Interface – Startup or Growth

Criteria: SMEs

Interface connects businesses from any sector to Scotland’s universities, research institutes and colleges. They administer funding programmes offered by The Scottish Funding Council. 

Interface can help you find the right University to take your project forward. This can help you develop a new product, process or service, or develop skills in your workforce.

Learn more about Interface – Startup or Growth