Access to business funding can help you develop your small business. But with so many types of funding out there, what’s the best option for you? Searching for business grants specific to your local area can help you make the right choice.
But even if you narrow your search for business grants by location, finding the right grant can still seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken down some of the best small business grants in Scotland to apply for by topic.
If you’re a Scottish small business, keep reading to discover the best small business grants available to you, plus tips on applying.
Business Start-Up Grants in Scotland
If you’re a new business, searching for a start-up grant might be your best bet. As well as financial funding, some of these grants come with additional support designed specifically for new businesses.
Start It
Grant amount: up to £5,000
Start It is an award for individuals wanting to start a social enterprise. The amount you receive will vary based on your specific start-up costs, but it can be used to cover expenses such as legal fees for incorporation, rent, marketing, equipment, or insurance.
To be eligible, you’ll need to:
- be an independent organisation
- have a positive social impact
- be in the early stages of development
Techscaler Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Small R&D Grant
Grant amount: £5,000 to £50,000
Available exclusively for tech start-ups, the Techscaler Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Small R&D Grant is a research and development (R&D) grant designed to help new businesses develop new products or services.
A key requirement is that your company must have previously taken part in the Techscaler Executive Education Programme. If you have, you may be eligible for the grant.
You’ll also need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- have fewer than 250 employees
- strong customer research and insights
- evidence of early commercial interest
Local Business Start-Up Grants in Scotland
You can also find grants available to start-ups in your local area. Grant availability and amounts can change, so always check with your local council for the most current information. Here are some examples:
- Renfrewshire New Business Start-Up Grant: £300 to £1,000
- Orkney Islands Council New Business Start-Up Grant: £500 to £1,500
- West Dunbartonshire Council Business Start-Up Grant: up to £500
- East Dunbartonshire Business Start-Up Grant: up to £500
- North Lanarkshire Business Start Up Fund: £1,000 to £2,500
- Start-up grants for new businesses in Shetland: up to £4,000
- Midlothian Business Start-Up Grant: up to £2,000
- Inverclyde Council New Business Start-Up Grant: up to £750
- Fife Start-Up Grant: up to £500
If you can’t find your area listed above, try searching on Scotland’s Find Business Support website to see what else is available.
Small Business Grants in Scotland for Creatives
Grant amount: between £500 and £100,000
If you’re a self-employed artist or creative in Scotland, you can apply for the Creative Scotland – Open Fund for Individuals. This fund is designed to support you on a project lasting up to 24 months.
Applications are open all year round and will include a section about your work.
Small Business Grants in Scotland for Young People
Young entrepreneurs in Scotland can also apply for a series of grants designed specifically for them. As well as funding, these programmes often come with additional support.
King’s Trust Enterprise Programme
Grant amount: up to £5,000
The King’s Trust Enterprise programme is available to young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30. As well as mentoring and training opportunities, there is start-up funding available.
While grants from the King’s Trust can go up to £5,000, you can sometimes combine this with a loan. As part of your application, you’ll need to provide a cash flow forecast and a budget.
Bridge 2 Business
Grant amount: up to £500
If you’re a college student in Scotland, you can apply for business support and training through Bridge 2 Business. You may also be able to apply for their Test the Market grant of up to £500 to test your business idea.
Youth Self-Employment Programme
Grant amount: £1,000
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 25 and live in Perth and Kinross, you can get help starting your business with the youth self-employment programme. Not only does this include a grant, but also mentorship, training sessions, and work experience.
Small Business Grants in Scotland for Innovation
If your small business is focused on change and innovation, there are grants available specifically for you.
SMART: SCOTLAND
Grant amount: up to £100,000
If you’re a small or medium-sized business in Scotland looking to innovate your field, you could access this grant. Your work will need to support economic transformation or technological innovation. Whatever the topic, it needs to be highly ambitious to qualify for this funding.
Scottish Enterprise R&D Grants
Scottish Enterprise offers a range of different research and development grants to help you develop new products and services. While your specific grant amount will vary, for small businesses it’s usually between 35% and 50% of your project costs. Some larger-scale R&D projects have minimum funding thresholds, so it is important to review the criteria for each specific grant.
A Note on European Funding and Compliance
UK organisations may be able to access certain European funding programmes, such as Horizon Europe, which are awarded on a competitive basis and often require international collaboration.
Additionally, be aware that to comply with government guidance, organisations like Scottish Enterprise will carry out sanctions checks on companies applying for funding. This may involve questions about trading or investment links with certain countries.
How to Apply for Business Grants in Scotland
If you’ve found a grant that works for your business, the next step is to write a strong application. A well-prepared application is essential for securing funding. Start by reviewing all eligibility requirements and gathering the necessary documents.
You can also explore additional resources and competitions. For example, the annual Business Boost competition awards one UK entrepreneur a £10,000 grant to help grow their business. Researching all available options ensures you find the best fit for your business needs.
More small businesses finance guides
- Small business funding and investment: how to grow your business
- How to budget: a budget calculator and guide for the self-employed
- Self-employed expenses – what expenses are tax deductible?
- Crowdfunding: is it right for your small business?
- What is business insurance?
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