Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Business Gateway
Assistance Available
A broad range of advice, support, and financial assistance, including: business-planning; access to funding; marketing; and the practicalities of starting & developing your business.
NEW SCHEMES - commenced April 2010
Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme - Micro Business Loan
This INTEREST FREE ‘micro’ loan of up to £,2000 is to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses which can contribute to new jobs in the local economy.
Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme - Business Loan
This loan of up to £50,000, at a 4% interest rate (unsecured & secured),or 6% interest rate (unsecured), is to assist new and growing businesses & social enterprises to develop projects which enhance their opportunities for growth, long-term sustainability and whose activities will increase economic activity and employment.
Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme - Micro Business Grant
This GRANT scheme, worth up to £5,000, is to assist new and growing businesses & social enterprises with growth aspirations to develop projects which enhance their opportunities for long-term sustainability, including facilitating client access to specialist advisory services.
CONTINUING SCHEMES
This ‘Interest-Free’ loan of up to £2,000 aims to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses which can contribute to new jobs in the local economy.
This loan of up to £10,000, at a 4% interest rate, is to encourage business start-up and enable business and community developments by assisting with long-term sustainability in the Outer Hebrides.
Inter-Island Business Development Scheme
This scheme has now closed as of 31st August 2010.
Outer Hebrides Fisheries Support Scheme
In partnership with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Western Isles Fishermen's Association this funding is available for the purchase of fishing vessels - with priority given to vessels of 10m in length or over, less than 10 yrs old with multi-purpose fishing capability, also with applicants who have gained a class II (fishing vessel) ticket or are working towards an under 16.5 Skipper’s ticket- and suitably experienced younger fishermen taking their first step in vessel ownership
The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT)
PSYBT provide discretionary loan & grant assistance for the 18-30 age-group, with special concern for the disadvantaged. Pre-start training & business-planning advice is also offered together with an Aftercare programme to assist you in tackling the first two years in business.
A range of advice and support, enabling those aged 16-30 to turn their business ideas into reality.
The Prince’s Trust offers practical and financial support to help young people age 14-25 to develop key skills, confidence and motivation, enabling young people to move into work, education or training.
A range of community grant schemes available through the Community Support Network.
Contact us for help and advice, applications, or more information
