Financial Support and Grants

OHYESS is open to entrepreneurs setting up a new business venture or developing a business which was established within the last five years. The scheme aims to fill the gap for business start-up funding for entrepreneurs and development funding for early-stage companies.
Grant funding is available to businesses in key sectors that have been trading for no longer than five years. The funding will be used towards capital costs only. Awards of up to £7,500 for full-time and £2,500 for part-time businesses are available.

OHDSS aims to help develop small local businesses by providing financial support to assist them with the development and implementation of new digital systems, which will improve business performance and enable growth. Grants of up to £5,000 for full-time and £2,500 for part-time businesses are available. Up to five hours of 1-1 expert digital support may also be provided.

OHBDS is designed to encourage new business development, including start-up and growth. The primary aim of the schemes is to stimulate new business investment to support longer-term growth.
Grant funding is available for capital investment, such as machinery, tools, equipment, fixtures and fittings, building and groundworks.
Capital grants of up to £3,000 for full-time and £1,500 for part-time businesses are available.

This scheme allows for the provision of interest-free micro loans to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses which can contribute to new jobs in the local economy.
Loans of up to £2,000 are available.

The scheme provides loans to encourage business start-up and enable business and community development in the Outer Hebrides.
Loans of up to £50,000 are available, with interest rates of 4% or 6%, depending on the value of the borrowing.

The Fisheries Investment Scheme (FIS) is a Comhairle funded scheme supported by Western Isles Fishermen’s Association (WIFA). The Scheme aims to create and retain employment opportunities in the Outer Hebrides by encouraging business development in the fisheries sector.
It is expected that the vessel purchase will be financed primarily from a commercial loan from the applicant’s own bank and own funds, augmented by the FIS loan.
Loans of up to £100,000 are available. Commercial interest rates apply.