The Small Business and Self-Employed Support Scheme is a grant to help new micro and small businesses in North Lanarkshire grow by creating or protecting jobs and improving the viability of the business.

A micro or small business has fewer than 49 employees.

The fund can cover up to 100% of the cost for essential business purchases. You can use the funding for project-related costs such as:

• capital expenditure
• infrastructure improvements
• training
• consultancy
• attending trade shows and exhibitions

The funding cannot be used as working capital to cover everyday business operations.

Your business must have been actively trading for at least 3 months, but no more than 12 months at the time you apply.

There are 2 tiers of funding. You can apply for:

• £1,000, if you're a self-employed individual with no employees
• £3,000, if you're a business with more than one Full Time Equivalent (FTE) member of staff in addition to the owner

To be eligible for this fund, you should: 

• be a micro or small business, with fewer than 49 employees
• have been actively trading (not just registered) for at least 3 months, but no more than 12 months
• be based in in North Lanarkshire
• be able to demonstrate your need for financial support

The following businesses are not eligible:

• businesses in the gambling and betting sector
• bars, public houses and other drinking establishments

Full details of the eligibility criteria are available on the North Lanarkshire Council website.

It is free to apply for this grant.

The grant can cover up to 100% of your eligible project costs. If it does not cover the full amount, you will need to cover the rest from other sources.

You can only claim your grant after the work has been completed and you've submitted evidence of money spent. This means you'll need to be able to cover all costs upfront before you reclaim the costs through the grant.

Micro and small-sized businesses in North Lanarkshire that have been actively trading for between 3 and 12 months.

After you submit your application, it will take at least 3 weeks to receive your final decision letter. The timescale can vary depending on the complexity of your application.

Projects must be completed and the grant claimed within 6 months of the award date.

The North Lanarkshire Business Growth Programme is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Visit the North Lanarkshire Council website for more information.