Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Business Gateway - Assistance Available

Inter-Island Business Development Scheme

This scheme is extended to receive applications for phase 6

If you are a business that trades, or is considering trading, across the sounds of Harris or Barra, you may be eligible to develop your business under this scheme. It has been a long-standing aspiration of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to provide an excellent transport infrastructure that links the island chain and drives business and economic development between the islands.

Objectives and Assistance

The overall objective of the scheme can be summarised as follows:

to support economic and business development in the Outer Hebrides by stimulating and increasing business between the three main islands groupings.

The key principles that will underpin the operation of the scheme can be summarised as follows:

the scheme objectives will be achieved by assisting “end-user” business costs by reducing / removing the premium businesses are required to pay as a result of high transport costs
assistance is not a transport subsidy and as such is not open to transport providers or haulage businesses
assistance will be provided on a de minimis basis

The normal level of support is 40%

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the scheme will be as follows:

Applies from September 2011, current phase (6) ends 31st March 2012, with possible extension subject to funding availability, 31st August 2012.
The scheme is open to private-sector businesses operating in the Outer Hebrides
Commercial ferry rates must apply (light vans exceeding 5 metres in length, or 3.5 T., 3 metres in height, or 2.3 metres in width are charged at commercial vehicle rates)
Businesses will require to be registered with the scheme
Businesses will require to participate in scheme monitoring and evaluation in order fully identify overall economic impacts (e.g. additional trade / value / FTEs, multiplier effects, etc.)

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