The Outer Hebrides Digital Support Scheme (OHDSS) provides funding, mentoring and other support to small businesses in the Outer Hebrides. The scheme aims to help businesses develop and implement new digital systems to improve business performance and growth.

The programme includes:

• grant funding
• one-to-one mentoring support
• business skills webinars
• access to other financial support and programmes

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for full-time businesses, and £2,500 for part-time businesses. These are intended to cover up to 75% of your eligible project costs.

The programme is financed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and administered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Business Gateway Service, which provides assistance to new and existing businesses in the Outer Hebrides.

OHDSS support is available to new and existing businesses in the Outer Hebrides region.

Businesses in all sectors except new tourism accommodation are eligible.

Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, co-operative groups, social enterprises, and other legitimate business trading entities can apply.

Each application will be assessed on its own merits. However, if your project is in a sector that is already well served by similar, existing businesses, you're unlikely to receive this support.

If you have income from employment other than the business you're applying for, you'll be considered part-time for the purposes of this grant, and will only be eligible for funding at the part-time level (up to £2,500).

The full list of eligibility criteria and conditions can be found on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website.

There is no cost to apply, but you must be able to cover the full project costs upfront until you receive the grant. Grants will only be paid out after you submit proof of your spending.

You shouldn't spend money on a project until your application has been approved and you have an official letter of offer.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for full-time businesses, and £2,500 for part-time businesses. These are only intended to cover a portion of your project costs (up to 75%). You must be able to cover the remainder from other sources.

Businesses based in the Outer Hebrides.

Each application will be considered on its own merits. The time required to process your application and reach a decision will vary depending on your project's scale. 

You will need to provide the following items with your application:

• a business plan or project outline
• financial projections (for 3 years) or accounts
• a completed application form
• bank statements
• other supporting information as required

You must be able to cover the full project costs upfront until you receive the grant. Grants will only be paid out after you submit proof of your expenses. You shouldn't spend any money on your project until your application has been approved and you've received an official letter of offer.

Visit the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar website to submit an enquiry to the Business Gateway team.