The Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise helps projects that create or protect jobs in areas of Scotland. The level of grant offered depends on the location of your project and the size of your business.

An RSA can typically cover up to 35% of the eligible costs for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and 15% of the eligible costs for a large enterprise.

Projects must last between 6 and 36 months. The minimum grant amount considered is £100,000.

Your business can be based outside of Scotland, but the project itself must take place in Scotland.

Large businesses will only be eligible if the project involves diversification of activity at an existing location or new activity taking place on a new site.

The fund is for capital investment projects that don’t fit into other funding programmes available through Scottish Enterprise. Applicants are advised to explore all options available before they apply.

Applications are open to those based in the area covered by Scottish Enterprise. This includes Aberdeen City and Shire, the east of Scotland, Tayside and the west of Scotland.

Funding will not be offered if the applicant company is already committed to undertaking the project or if Scottish Enterprise believes the company would proceed anyway.

Applicants will be asked to complete an initial enquiry form with an overview of the project. If appropriate, an appraisal specialist will contact you to set up a meeting and take you through the full application process.

Your project may be eligible if it: 

• takes place in the area covered by Scottish Enterprise (Aberdeen City and Shire, the east of Scotland, Tayside and the west of Scotland)
• involves an element of capital expenditure
• creates or safeguards at least 10 jobs in your business
• does not offset job losses elsewhere
• is financially viable
• is mainly funded by the private sector
• can demonstrate the need for RSA funding to progress
• aligns with Scotland’s net zero ambitions
• has not started or has not committed to begin
• is committed to fair work practices (including the Real Living Wage)

Large businesses will only be eligible if the project involves diversification at an existing location or a new activity taking place on a new site.

RSA is unlikely to support sectors which only serve a local market, such as retail, hospitality and leisure, tourism and charitable organisations. Additionally, the following sectors will not be supported as they are specifically excluded by the subsidy scheme rules:

• fisheries and aquaculture
• primary production of agricultural products (annex 1)
• audio-visual (film production, TV and radio)
• coal
• steel
• shipbuilding
• synthetic fibres
• transport, including related infrastructure
• energy generation, distribution and infrastructure

This is a free service.

An RSA can typically cover up to 35% of the eligible costs for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and 15% of the eligible costs for a large enterprise. You must be prepared to cover the rest of the costs through other sources.

Small or medium-sized businesses and certain large businesses with a project taking place in Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise will contact you within 5 working days after you submit your initial enquiry form.

Application timescales will vary depending on the project. If your project is eligible, you will be assigned an appraisal specialist who will be able to advise further.

Once your application is approved, you'll be allocated a grant manager who will supply a formal offer letter that explains the conditions of your grant.

Appraisers will also take into consideration:

• your approach to fair work practices, including payment of the Real Living Wage (currently £10.90 per hour)
• if your project services markets wider than Scotland
• if your competitors are largely based outside the area where your project is based

Visit the Scottish Enterprise website for more information and to apply.