Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Business Gateway - Assistance Available
Outer Hebrides Small Business Assistance Scheme - Micro Business Grant
Objectives & Assistance
- Discretionary grants to support new business start-up and assist with the development and growth of the micro business sector in the Outer Hebrides.
- Assist new and growing businesses & social enterprises with growth aspirations to develop projects which enhance their opportunities for long-term sustainability and whose activities will increase economic activity and employment.
- Discretionary grants of up to £5,000 to support new start-up and assist with development and growth of the micro-business sector, and facilitate client access to specialist advisory services.
- To provide advice, support and grant assistance for a range of activities, including start-up, development, marketing, specialist advisory / training.
Eligibility & Conditions
- Applications considered for business start-ups and existing businesses with growth aspirations located in the Outer Hebrides, which can demonstrate: commercial viability, employment creation and/or generate additional demand for products and services.
- All funding must be for growth / expansion activity – i.e. not for replacing like for like / tidying up or improving premises etc, funding should be for activity that increases output and efficiency / expanding markets etc
- Funding restrictions apply, and certain business types, activities, sectors cannot be assisted under the EU-programme and State Aid rules
- In general, financial support will target the following key sectors: renewables & energy related activity; tourism; creative and other culture-based industries; food & drink; information technology; life / health and other sciences; research & development; manufacturing and processing and traditional (indigenous to the Outer Hebrides) industries
- Each application will be considered on its own merits. However, projects in areas which are adequately served by similar existing businesses are unlikely to meet the eligibility criteria..
- Applicants may be sole-traders, partnerships, limited companies, co-operative groups, community enterprises or other legitimate trading entities.
- A Business / Growth Plan, Financial Projections (3-year) and up-to-date Accounts (existing businesses only) must be submitted along with any other supporting information considered necessary.
- Business Gateway workshop attendance (where relevant) will be a condition of all funding approved
- All projects must considers potential environmental impact and take appropriate action to ensure that activity is carried out in a sustainable manner
Funding
- Grant: Up to £5,000
- Level of support: Up to 50% of eligible costs
Payment: Released only on submission of 'proof of payment'.
Scheme terms and conditions may change from time to time and you should contact one of our advisors on 01851 822 775 should you wish to find out more about making an application and the terms that apply.
Contact us for help and advice, applications, or more information
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Helping to reduce the gap between development levels and living standards among the regions and the extent to which least-favoured regions are lagging behind. Helping redress the main regional imbalances in the Community by participating in the development and structural adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind and the economic and social conversion of regions.
This Scheme (Business Support Scheme Reference Number : X 151/2008) is operated under the European Commission General Block Exemption Regulation (EC) No 800/2008 (Articles 13, 14, 15, 26, 27), Local Government Scotland Act 2003 and the European Communities Act 1972.
