Argyll and Bute Council may be able to provide grant funding to help you start up and establish a new business in the area. A grant of up to £1,000 is available for full-time businesses (35 or more hours per week) and up to £500 for part-time businesses (16 to 34 hours per week). 

You will need to download and fill out an application form. You'll be asked to provide information about your business and a 12-month cash flow forecast. You'll also need to identify the items that you require grant support for and explain why you need a grant.

After you submit your completed application form and any supporting documents, you must meet by phone or video with a business adviser from Argyll and Bute Council's Business Gateway to discuss your application.

To apply, your new business must be:

• based in Argyll and Bute
• micro or small-sized - that is, with fewer than 50 employees and either a turnover of less than €10 million or a balance sheet total of less than €10 million
• ready to start trading within 4 weeks of your application, or have already started trading no more than 3 months before you apply
• paying you or a member of staff the current real Living Wage or above or demonstrate clear potential to do so within 12 months 
• operating full-time (35 or more hours a week) or part-time (16 to 34 hours per week).

Revenue and capital costs may be eligible for funding on a discretionary basis. These include:

• machinery
• tools and equipment
• marketing
• website development

The grant cannot be used for:

• wage subsidy
• statutory costs
• debt repayment
• working capital, including the purchase of stock or materials
• the purchase of an existing business
• routine maintenance
• property or land purchase or development
• any costs incurred before your application is approved

There is no cost to apply for the grant. No match funding is required, but you will have to justify your need for the grant.

New businesses in Argyll and Bute that need support with start-up costs.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 28 February 2025. The programme will close earlier if funds are fully allocated. 

You should receive a decision on your application within 10 working days of meeting with an adviser.

A grant of up to £1,000 is available for full-time businesses (35 or more hours per week) and up to £500 for part-time businesses (16 to 34 hours per week). It will be paid after your application and supporting evidence have been approved.  

The grant is awarded at Argyll and Bute Council’s discretion.

This support is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Visit the Argyll and Bute Council website for more information and to download an application form.