West Lothian Council's High Growth Start Up Grant supports West Lothian businesses within the first 18 months of trading, to bring new products to market, attend trade events and build capacity within the business.

You can use the funding for:

• essential tools and equipment
• website development
• marketing materials
• small levels of stock items

You can not use the funding for:

• personal living costs or cashflow
• vehicles
• salary costs
• rent payments

The grant is paid retrospectively. This means that after your application is approved, you'll need to cover the full project costs upfront, then submit a claim with evidence of your spending to receive your grant. You cannot claim for money spent before your application was approved.

Yes, if your business:

• is VAT registered
• operates from commercial premises based in West Lothian
• employs a minimum of one member of staff or have the potential to create employment within 6 months
• operates in:
  • Construction
  • Creative Industries
  • Engineering, Design and Manufacturing
  • Food & Drink (Manufacturing / Processing)
  • Life Sciences (Including Health Technology and MedTech)
  • Electronics and Software
  • Renewable Energy
  • Tourism

Businesses operating outside these sectors may still be eligible where proposed projects demonstrate clear strategic alignment with the Council’s economic priorities.

This is a free service.

Note that you'll need to cover the costs upfront, then submit a claim with proof of your spending to receive your grant. You cannot claim for money spent before your application was approved.

Businesses based in West Lothian.

The High Growth Start-up grant is open for applications. 

You will receive a decision within 10 working days after you apply. 

Before registering your interest in this grant, please review our business funding guide on the Invest in West Lothian website. In this guide, you will find helpful information regarding the grants available, eligible costs, the eligibility criteria and the application process.

Visit the Invest in West Lothian website for more information.