Due to an increase in energy costs, 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.

DigiTay Data Skills Credits

Through the Data Skills for Work at The Data Lab Scotland, DigiTay is offering funding for training and education providers to deliver accredited data short courses. 

The maximum grant is £10,000 per course for a minimum of 20 learners, the minimum is £5,000 for a minimum of 10 learners (training must be free at the point of access to those learners).

The grant will be administered by The Data Lab (TDL) through The University of Edinburgh. Courses can be delivered multiple times (and therefore applicants can apply to deliver more than one course), but all courses must be completed by 30th September 2024. 

Applications close Monday 29 April 2024. Find out more and apply.

Green Heat Innovation Support Programme

The Green Heat Innovation Support Programme (GHISP) supports innovation and capital investment that will accelerate the roll out and adoption of green heating solutions and associated products.

The total programme funding available over the four-year period is £17.6 million.

There are three different levels of support, depending on which route your project takes. These are:

• Large R&D and Capital Grant Funding – Grant values will vary depending on your proposal type – whether it’s an R&D or a capital investment project, for example.
• Feasibility Studies – Grant support for 100% of the eligible project costs is available. This will allow companies to do a detailed design and assessment of the technical and commercial feasibility of the proposed solution over a period of three to four months.
• CAN DO Innovation Challenges – Competitive procurement process which will fund 100% of project costs if successful. Each procurement exercise will be seeking solutions to specific challenges faced in green heat.

The GHISP will run until March 2026. Find out more about the programme.

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.

National Lottery Open Fund for Individuals

The Open Fund for Individuals is one of Creative Scotland’s key funding programmes, supporting the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland.

The Open Fund will support a period of research, development and/or delivery of creative activity for up to 24 months. This fund is designed to support creative activity such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development.

The fund is open to freelance and self-employed artists and creative practitioners living in Scotland who are at least 18 years old. You can apply for between £500 and £100,000. There are no deadlines for this fund – you can apply year-round.

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

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.

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.

Business Loans Scotland

Business Loans Scotland (BLS) is the Fund Manager for a £17m loan fund. BLS is a consortium of Scotland’s Local Authorities. They provide funding to new and growing SMEs across Scotland.

They aim to help Scottish businesses trade regionally, nationally and internationally. You can borrow from £25,000 to £250,000 at a fixed interest rate of 11%.

Learn more about Business Loans Scotland.

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