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

The grant must be used for new projects or activities. You cannot claim for costs incurred before you're awarded a grant.

Grants will only be paid out after you complete the agreed project or activity. You'll need to submit your claim to have eligible costs reimbursed within 6 months of being awarded the grant. Your claim must include all paid invoices or receipts for the eligible costs. 

Micro, small and medium-sized businesses are all eligible for this fund.

To be eligible, your business must also have:

• business premises in Perth and Kinross
• fewer than 250 employees
• an annual turnover of less than £50 million – or a balance sheet of less than £43 million
• a business bank account

Businesses that are not eligible include:

• betting shops
• off-licence shops
•  online services

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 agreed 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 that aim to expand their market overseas or into the wider UK (excluding Scotland).

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 offer letter. 

You'll need to speak to a member of Perth and Kinross Council's Business Growth 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.

You'll need to include a business plan or marketing plan with your application.

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