The West Lothian Council Intro to Business Grant provides grant support of up to £1,500 to assist eligible West Lothian residents with the costs of starting a new 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 based in West Lothian
• business has been trading for a maximum of 6 months

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.

West Lothian businesses that have been trading for a maximum of 6 months.

The Intro to Business grant is open for applications. 

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

Visit the Invest in West Lothian website for more information.