Perth and Kinross Council offers local businesses grants of up to £3,000 for projects that aim to establish new markets outside of Scotland, either across the UK or internationally.

The grant will not be paid out immediately after approval – instead, you will receive payment after you make your purchases and submit receipts or invoices. This means you must be able to afford to cover the project’s full cost upfront until you are refunded.

The grant is available to all micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the Perth and Kinross Council area.

Sole traders, constituted community groups, social or community enterprises, and co-operatives are all eligible.

Your business must also:

• be based in Perth and Kinross
• have a business bank account
• have fewer than 250 employees
• have an annual turnover of less than €50 million, or a balance sheet of less than €43 million
• be looking to expand into new markets outside of Scotland

There is no charge for this service.

However, note that the fund offers businesses a grant of up to £3,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs. This means that you will have to pay at least 50% of the costs yourself.

Also, the grant will only be paid out after you make your purchases and submit receipts or invoices. This means you must be able to afford to cover the project’s full cost upfront until you are refunded.

Micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the Perth and Kinross Council area.

Once you submit your application, an officer will respond within 14 working days.

Once your application is approved, your project must be completed and your claim submitted within 6 months of the date of the letter of offer.

You'll need to speak to a member of Perth and Kinross Council's Business and Place Development Team before you apply.

If your business stops trading or moves outside the Perth and Kinross area within 3 years of receiving the grant, you may be required to fully repay the grant.

Please visit the Perth and Kinross Council website for more information and to submit an enquiry.