The East Ayrshire Business Start-Up Grant is designed for businesses in East Ayrshire that have been trading for 12 months or less. 

East Ayrshire Council can contribute up to 50% of your project costs. Grants range from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000.

The grants can be used for:

• marketing costs, including business cards, flyers, feature articles and website costs, but not advertising costs
• signage costs, after planning has given consent for a sign to be put up at the premises
• training costs to enhance existing skills, subject to eligibility criteria
• international travel for trade shows, with a limit of one return flight per business
• accreditations
• software
• product development

Capital equipment and refurbishing premises are not covered by grant funding. These items should be either self-financed or financed through a loan or a combination of both. You can not apply for funding for costs you've already paid for. Don’t begin the project or pay a deposit towards the project until you know the outcome of your grant application.

You will need to provide 3 cost quotations for the item that is to be funded. 

A Business Gateway adviser will review your application and complete an appraisal.

If all is satisfactory, the appraisal will be submitted to East Ayrshire Council, the manager of economic development and the head of service for approval.

You are eligible if your business:

• is based in East Ayrshire
• has been trading for 12 months or less

Micro-businesses, enterprises and self-employed people are all eligible.

It is free to apply for the grant, and the advice from the Business Gateway adviser is also free.

The grant will cover 50% of your project costs, from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000.

Businesses will need to cover the costs upfront, then can claim back the council's 50% contribution after you provide the supplier invoice and your bank statement showing that you've paid.

All micro-businesses, enterprises and self-employed people based in East Ayrshire that have been trading for 12 months or less.

You must speak to a Business Gateway adviser before you apply.

Once your grant application is approved, you will need to cover all project costs upfront. You can then can claim back the council's 50% contribution after you provide the supplier invoice and your bank statement showing that you've paid.

Visit the East Ayrshire Council website to find out how to contact the Business Support Team for more information.