The Shetland Islands Council Economic Development Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £25,000 to small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and third sector organisations based in Shetland. 

Financial assistance is available for businesses that can demonstrate that their projects meet key eligibility criteria and will result in benefits to the Shetland economy.

You can receive a grant for:

• capital expenditure – for example, buildings (including construction costs, upgrades or improvements and associated professional fees) and equipment
• revenue expenditure – for example, professional fees, consents, permissions, salary costs, and volunteer expenses

Your application may need to be supported by a business plan, which a Business Gateway adviser can help you with.

Applicants must be a small to medium-sized business (SME) or a third sector organisation based in Shetland.

You must be able to demonstrate that your project will achieve at least one of the following outcomes:

• the introduction of new business activity
• more sustainable use of resources
• improved product quality
• import substitution
• new market development
• improved productivity
• improved service delivery

Projects that are in direct competition with other local businesses (or have the potential to be so) will not be considered for support.

You should be based in a ZE postcode region. However, applications from outwith Shetland may be considered if the project can show it has inward investment potential.

Other exclusions apply. Full details of eligibility and eligible costs is available on the Shetland Islands Council website.

You must provide 50% match funding for the grant.

You'll also need to be able to cover your project's costs upfront, as grants are only paid out after you submit evidence of the amount you've spent for approved items. You cannot claim for items purchased or committed to before your grant application is approved.

Small or medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and third sector organisations based in Shetland that are looking to develop growth projects.

Timescales will vary depending on the amount of grant you apply for and the quality of your application submission.

Grants are paid in arrears, after you submit evidence of the amount you've spent for approved items. You cannot claim for items purchased or committed to before your grant application is approved.

Visit the Shetland Islands Council website to check your eligibility and submit an online enquiry.