This fund offers grants to businesses and social enterprises in Argyll and Bute for innovation and research and development projects.

The grants will cover up to 100% of your eligible costs, up to a maximum of £5,000. If your costs are higher than this, the grant can fund up to 50% of your eligible costs, up to a maximum of £10,000.  

Priority will be given to projects that contribute towards productivity and lowering carbon emissions - for example, the production of low carbon goods or developing environmental services and climate resilience. 

The funding can be used for items and activities such as: 

• prototype development
• desk and lab-based research with suppliers or customer base
• compliance testing
• equipment and consumables needed for the activities to be delivered during the project
• the cost of consultant or technical expert time
• costs relating to intellectual property (IP) matters
• the development of your business model
• the costs of collaboration with suppliers, competitors and customers
• IP protection advice and support costs
• legal or other fees associated with contracts to protect and exploit IP and know-how

The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 29 November 2024.

Yes, if you are a small or medium sized enterprise (as defined in the Companies Act 2006, sections 382 and 465) or a social enterprise.

Applicants must be based in the Argyll and Bute area and must meet Highlands and Island Enterprise's (HIE’s) fair work conditions for grant support. More information is available on the HIE website.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to cover up to 100% of the total cost of a project.

If your costs are higher than this, grants of up to £10,000 are available to cover up to 50% of the total cost of a project.

You will need to fund any remaining costs from other sources.

You'll need to pay for all project costs upfront, then submit a claim to receive your grant.

Small or medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in the Argyll and Bute area.

The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 29 November 2024.

You'll hear the outcome of this promptly. If successful, you'll be advised on how to submit an application. The length of time from enquiry to approval for successful proposals is expected to be no more than 3 months.

All projects must be completed, and claims submitted, by 28 February 2025.

The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 29 November 2024.

All projects must be completed, and claims submitted, by 28 February 2025.

Visit the HIE website for more information and to complete an expression of interest form.