Reduce the cost of running your business
We know that rising costs make it tough to run a business. That’s why we're here, with our partners, to help you find the support your business needs, all in one place.
Browse the categories below to find funding, advice and other support tailored to your needs - from making your business greener and more efficient, to managing your finances more effectively.
Most services are available to all businesses in Scotland, regardless of size or sector. Some are designed for specific industries or regions, or have other eligibility criteria - this will be stated clearly in the descriptions.
The UK Government has replaced the Energy Bill Relief Scheme with the Energy Bill Discount Scheme. Support will be available to non-domestic customers between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. Read more about the scheme here., external link which will open in a new window
You can also browse all support currently listed on Find Business Support and sign up to receive our newsletter, external link which will open in a new window so you are kept up-to-date with all the latest support from across Scotland’s public sector.
For individuals struggling with the cost of living, the Scottish Government has launched a website, external link which will open in a new window that includes information on help available for households to meet rising energy, housing and other costs.
Resources and support
Get tips on how to track your energy use in the workplace and reduce the costs associated with heating, lighting, refrigeration and more.
- 40 quick and easy ways to cut your energy bills and carbon footprint
- Guide on how to conduct an energy audit
- Video guide and toolkit to measure and monitor your business energy use
- How to run a more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable office
- Guide for businesses on how to save energy heating the workplace
- Tool for businesses to optimise your heating controls
- How your business can save money and energy on lighting
- Tool to calculate costs of lighting improvement
- Simple lighting calculator tool
- How to procure resource-efficient equipment
- A quick guide on insulation for your business property
- 5 simple steps to start saving energy
- Resource efficiency at work
- 10 ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint while working from home
- Net Zero Accelerator online diagnostic tool
- On-demand webinars from Business Energy Scotland
Many alternative heating systems are better for the environment, and can save you money, too. Find information on new, green heating technologies and explore your options.
- Solar PV fast track assessment
- How to carry out a successful biomass heating project - procurement guide
- Quick guide to biomass heating for your business
- Quick guide to solar PV suitability for your business
- Quick guide to radiant heating for your business
- Quick guide to heat pumps for your business
Find out what funding is available to help businesses adopt new, green ways of working - and how it can help you implement more efficient processes and technologies in the workplace.
- Used Electric Vehicle Loan for Business
- Low Carbon Business Transport Loan
- Social Enterprise Net Zero Fund
- Facilities Access Fund
- Feasibility Funding
- eBike Business Loan
- Business Charge Point Funding
- Low Emission Zone Support Fund for Business
- Low Emission Retrofit Fund
- SME Loan Fund with cashback while funds last
- Green Heat Innovation Support Programme
As costs rise, it's important to keep an eye on your cashflow and make sure your business has enough money coming in to cover any expenditures. Find advice on managing your finances, invoicing and other vital tasks.
Some funding and advice is designed for the needs of specific industries and sectors. You can check if there is targeted support available for your sector here.
- Food and drink energy savings
- Manufacturing energy savings
- Retail energy savings
- Construction Advice and Support Service
- Support for manufacturers
- Switched on Taxis Loan
- Food waste reduction support for Scottish food and drink businesses
- Energy monitoring and maintenance for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Energy Performance Certificates for self-catering properties
- Keep your tourism business cosy by insulating and draught proofing
- Reducing waste and recycling advice for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Reduce energy consumption through effective boiler controls for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Reduce and recycle food waste advice for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Become more sustainable with your heating and cooling settings for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Water efficiency through toilets and urinals for the tourism and hospitality sector
- Water efficiency through taps and showers for the tourism and hospitality sector
Some funding and other services are only available to businesses in a particular region of Scotland. You can check if there is specific support for your region here.
- East Ayrshire Net Zero Grant
- East Renfrewshire Council Get to Zero - Green Jobs Skills Training Grant
- East Renfrewshire Council SBA Get to Zero Grant
- Falkirk Council Environmental Improvement Fund
- Fife Investment Fund
- Glasgow City Council Green Business Grant
- North Ayrshire Council - Green Jobs Fund
- Perth and Kinross Council Green Recovery Capital Development Grant
- Renfrewshire Council Net Zero Grant
- South Lanarkshire Business Recovery and Growth Grant
- West Lothian Low Carbon Energy Efficiency Grant
- West Lothian Sustainability Surgery
It's easier to make changes in the workplace when your employees are part of the process. Get advice on how you can encourage your staff to adopt green practices in the workplace that can save your business money, too.
Reducing waste is better for the planet and can make your business more efficient in the long run. Find out more about the circular economy in Scotland and how it can benefit your business.
Find support and advice for businesses and employees going through the redundancy process.
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