The Highland Council Growing Business Growth Fund

Businesses looking for financial support for their growth plans could be eligible for a Growing Business Growth Fund grant of up to £10,000. Applicants can potentially access 50% of the costs of their growth project.

If your project costs are higher and you would need to identify additional support to help achieve your expansion, Business Gateway Highland can help identify potential solutions to make your growth plans achievable.

The Business Growth Fund can be used to help your business grow or diversify in various ways, such as:

• introduction of new innovative technology products or services that improve performance - these do not need to be unique, but new to your business
• premises improvement or expansion related to business development, new products or services
• acquiring capital equipment to enable a more technical or efficiency/productivity enhanced approach
• increasing staffing to meet market needs through the Highland Council HERO scheme
• introduction of flexible working or new practices for staff, or enhancing customer services
• investment in new systems or processes for operations

As part of the process, you will need to submit a business growth plan with your application. For support with this, contact the local Business Gateway office in Highland.

To be eligible for the grant, you must be an established small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the Highland Council area.

You must show that your business is looking to create new jobs, expand or move premises, invest in equipment, or needs additional support to grow.

The application process is free. However, applicants will need to fund any shortfall if the grant does not cover all their project costs.

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Highland Council area.

This funding cannot be used for the following:

•  essential running costs such as insurance, salaries, utility charges, recruitment fees and tax
•  stock and accredited training
•  goods or services already purchased
•  broadband or ICT costs
•  existing loans or debts
•  replacing old for new equipment on a like-for-like basis

This list is not exhaustive and further eligibility criteria may apply. 

No retrospective applications will be considered.

For support with your application, contact the local Business Gateway office in Highland.

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