Delivered by Orkney Islands Council and administered by Business Gateway Orkney, the Small Business Training Grant helps small businesses in Orkney to develop their workforce's skills. It will cover up to 90% of your training costs, up to a maximum of £1,000 per business.

The grant has been designed as a sustainable business development mechanism to encourage skills enhancement that will help grow Orkney’s economy.

The grant can help with the cost of:

• external training fees (face-to-face or by distance learning)
• visiting trainer fees
• associated travel and accommodation costs

The grant cannot be used for:

• training that is a statutory requirement, mandatory or is routinely undertaken within the business, including Continuous Professional Development (CPD) that is a requirement of a professional membership
• training where very similar training is already provided by the council for free, such as through Business Gateway workshops

You are eligible if your business:

• is located in Orkney
• employs less than 50 people
• has been trading for 6 months or more
• is not receiving grant funding from other sources for the same training

This is a free service.

The grant will cover up to 90% of your training costs, up to a maximum of £1,000 per business. You must be prepared to cover the rest of the cost yourself.

Small businesses in the Orkney Islands Council area.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome within 15 working days of submitting their completed final application.

Applicants will have 10 working days to accept the grant offer and any conditions in writing.

Applicants will have 4 weeks from the date they start their training to claim the grant, unless otherwise agreed in writing with Business Gateway.

You will need to complete the Small Business Training Grant application form with details of the proposed training and how it will improve your business's skills and explain why funding is required from Orkney Islands Council. You will also need to include a quote or estimate for the cost of the proposed training and any travel and accommodation costs.

You should not spend money on any grant-related costs before your grant is approved. You can only claim for costs specified in the approved application.

Please submit an enquiry and an adviser will be in touch to discuss your needs.