This discretionary fund from Inverclyde Council provides financial assistance to help businesses in the area that have been trading for at least 12 months to achieve specific exporting objectives.

The fund can provide up to £5,000 to help cover eligible costs associated with entering overseas markets, including the cost to: 

• develop and implement an export plan
• attend overseas exhibitions and trade shows
• produce the required documentation

To apply, you'll need to submit:

• a business plan
• a one-year cashflow projection
• evidence of trading status
• the last full year’s accredited accounts and up-to-date management accounts
• 3 quotes for project costs
• proof of business insurance
• an uncensored copy of a bank statement, dated within the past 3 months, that clearly shows the name of the account holder, the account number and sort code

If your business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business owns the lease. 

You'll need to meet with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you can apply.

You are eligible if your business:

• is trading from an address in Inverclyde
• has been trading for at least 12 months
• operates in a sector where there is unlikely to be a significant impact on other local businesses

You'll need to attend a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you apply.

If your business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business owns the lease.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

This is a free service. Free business advice is also provided.

The fund can cover up to 100% of your eligible exporting costs. The maximum you can receive is £5,000. You must be prepared to cover any additional costs through other sources.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project spending. You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

Businesses that trade in the Inverclyde area.

Your application must be approved and all relevant information submitted before you can make a claim for payment. The time needed to approve applications will vary. 

Once you have submitted your claim, you'll usually receive payment within 20 days.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project spending. You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

Visit the Inverclyde Council website for more information.