Grants & Funding Noticeboard | Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

Support and information for businesses can be found via the following links:

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT

Additional funding for energy advice in face of rising bills announced

Immediate funding is being awarded to key energy advice organisations to make sure energy customers can access crucial support and advice to deal with rising energy bills and heating costs. More than £1.2 million will be distributed to help key agencies, including Advice Direct Scotland, Home Energy Scotland and Citizen’s Advice Scotland, reach more people who need help. Click here for the full press release.

Cost of living support from East Ayrshire Council

A number of different types of support are available from East Ayrshire Council, from government financial help, money advice, community support, local services and more. Click here to see all EAC cost of living support.

South Ayrshire Council - Cost Of Living Payment (£150)

The Cost of Living Award is for £150 and will be provided as a credit to Council Tax accounts to either: A person who lives in a dwelling in any Council Tax valuation band, is liable for Council Tax and is in receipt of Council Tax Reduction (CTR);
A person who lives in and is liable for council tax for a council tax Band A-D dwelling and does not receive Council Tax Reduction; Certain categories of person living in a property exempt from Council Tax as follows; all the occupants are under 18; all the occupants are care leavers; all the occupants are severely mentally impaired; the property is unoccupied because the resident has gone to someone else's home to provide care or the resident receives care elsewhere.

For full details, click here.

Cost of living support from North Ayrshire Council

Support includes: Energy, bills and spending; Benefits, work and income; Business and community and more.

A full list of NAC cost of living support can be found by clicking here.

Energy Bill Relief Scheme: help for businesses and other non-domestic customers announced

This scheme will provide energy bill relief for non-domestic customers in Great Britain. Discounts will be applied to energy usage initially between 1 October 2022 and 31 March 2023. Find out more by clicking here.

NET-ZERO & CARBON REDUCTION FUNDING

Ayrshire Chamber also has a dedicated page for Net-Zero/Carbon Reduction news and updates. You can access it by clicking here.

Business charge point funding [OPEN]

To support the uptake of electric vehicles across Scotland, Transport Scotland has made grant funding available through Energy Saving Trust to help organisations install electric vehicle charging infrastructure on their premises.

Funding is currently available for charge points for sole use by occupants, staff and visitors. To apply, click here.

Business Energy Scotland: SME Loan Scheme [OPEN]

Loans up to £100k are available to help you pay for energy and carbon-saving upgrades in your business. You could also receive a cashback grant of up to £20k.

An SME loan can be used to finance the installation of energy efficient systems, equipment or building fabric, including: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades; renewable heat technologies such as installing an air source heat pump; improving insulation, draught-proofing, double or secondary glazing; installing LED lighting; installing solar panels, wind turbines and wood-burning stoves. To view guidance, click here.

Circular Economy Investment Fund [OPEN]

This funding is to help businesses develop new ways of working and to get ahead in a circular economy. A circular economy is one that’s sustainable and eliminates waste as much as possible. It’s an alternative to our current ‘take, make, dispose’ approach, and means that products and materials are kept in a high-value state of use for as long as possible. To view guidance, click here.

CO2 Utilisation Challenge [OPEN, Funding is available from 11 April 2022 until 31 March 2024]

The aim of this challenge is to support Research and Development (R&D) to assist companies in developing technology that will lead to new commercial uses for CO2, and the creation of jobs, as part of our journey to a low carbon economy. For further information, please click here.

District Heating Loan Fund [OPEN]

The District Heating Loan Fund is managed by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Scottish Government. It provides capital loan funding of £1 million plus to organisations in Scotland to use renewables technologies to build out heat networks. To view guidance, click here.

Domestic chargepoint funding [OPEN]

The domestic chargepoint funding scheme, funded by Transport Scotland (an agency of the Scottish Government) and administered by Energy Saving Trust, provides up to £300 towards the cost of purchasing and installing home chargepoints for electric vehicles. Fund details can be found by clicking here.

eBike Loan Scheme [OPEN]

An exciting funding opportunity is available in Scotland through Energy Saving Trust. Energy Saving Trust offer an interest-free loan for individuals, repayable over four years, that can be used for: 2 x ebikes capped at £3,000 each; 1 x family cargo bike capped at £6,000 or 1 x adapted cycle (value assessed on a case-by-case basis). To find out more, and apply, click here.

Electric Car Scheme [OPEN]

The Electric Car Scheme aims to help people make a greener choice and help as many companies and employees as possible benefit from the government tax savings on electric cars.

The Electric Car Scheme works with a wide range of car lease companies to find the best value lease on the market for each car. Employees should get the very best lease deals, as well as the full tax benefit. They shouldn’t be limited to one expensive supplier. To find out more, and apply, click here.

Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme [OPEN]

The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is a grant that provides a 75% contribution to the cost of one chargepoint and its installation. A grant cap is set at £350 (including VAT) per installation. The main requirement is that a person owns, leases, or has ordered a qualifying vehicle and has dedicated off-street parking at their property. To view fund guidance, click here.

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic Research Programme (SRP) [OPENING SOON]

Projects which aim to boost food security in Scotland and address the biodiversity and climate crises will benefit from a major Scottish Government funding programme.

At The Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced major investment of more than £200 million through the 2022 to 2027 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic Research Programme (SRP).

Facilities Access Fund [OPEN]

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) offers funding for collaborative biotechnology projects that link Scottish academics and industry. The funding covers access to university facilities on a fee-for-service basis at an academic rate. To view guidance, click here.

Funding support for clean energy transition [OPEN]

The Clean Energy Transition Partnership is a competitive call with a 2-stage application process. The fund aims to get as many Scottish companies as possible involved in new clean energy solutions.

Scottish Enterprise can only fund projects that have been selected through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership ranking process. Only the highest-ranking projects will receive funding. The ranking process is an independent evaluation by a group of international experts. To read further information, please click here.

Home Energy Scotland Loan [OPEN]

Up to 40% cashback for some eligible energy efficiency measures and 75% for certain renewable heating systems (based on total costs and capped at a maximum value) is now available. Cashback is subject to availability while funds last or until the end of the financial year – whichever is sooner. Funds are reserved for customers when their loan is offered. To view guidance, click here.

Home renewables [OPEN]

Get up to £17,500 interest-free when you install home renewables with the Home Energy Scotland Loan.

Innovation challenge: Applying Space Data to the Net Zero Economy [OPEN]

The Applying Space Data to the Net Zero Economy innovation challenge is designed to help Scottish businesses develop innovative space-based solutions that will support our transition to net zero. A minimum of £20,000 and maximum of £30,000 grant funding is available. To view guidance, click here.

Innovation challenge: Zero Emissions Heavy Duty Vehicles [OPEN]

The Zero Emissions Heavy Duty Vehicle innovation challenge is a competition to help Scottish businesses develop innovative solutions that can support the decarbonisation of Heavy Duty Vehicles and Scotland’s green recovery.

Grant support for 100% of the eligible project costs is available. This will allow companies to undertake detailed design and assess the technical and commercial feasibility of their proposed solution over a period of three to four months, with projects completing by the end of March 2023. To view guidance, click here.

Low Carbon Business Transport Loan [OPEN]

The Low Carbon Transport Business Loan offers Scottish businesses up to £150,000 interest-free to help reduce the carbon impact and fuel costs of their transport arrangements through the purchase of new and more efficient vehicles. Limited companies are eligible for up to £150,000 of loan support, and sole traders or partnerships are eligible for up to £75,000 of loan support. To view guidance, click here.

Low Carbon Manufacturing Challenge Fund [OPEN, funding will be available from 19th May 2022 until 31st March 2026]

The Low Carbon Manufacturing Challenge Fund is for any company with a manufacturing base in Scotland that wishes to pursue business growth by developing low carbon products, processes or services. The minimum grant value is £150,000 for eligible costs. To view guidance, click here.

Low Emission Zone Retrofit Fund [OPEN]

The Low Emission Zone Retrofit Fund provides eligible micro businesses, who operate within one of Scotland’s four low emission zones, with support to retrofit their existing non-compliant vehicles with Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) approved solutions that meet the minimum proposed standards of the low emission zones.

Grants are available to cover up to 80% of the cost of a retrofit solution, subject to a number of terms and conditions. To view guidance, click here.

Low Emission Zone Support Fund for Businesses [OPEN]

Eligible Scottish micro businesses and sole traders can apply for up to £2,000 to take older, more polluting vehicles off the road and move towards cleaner transport options. This is for operating vehicles that are not compliant with the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards, in Scotland’s 4 largest cities.

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee are being introduced in 2022. LEZs are designed to improve local air quality by discouraging older, more polluting vehicles from entering the zone. By moving older, more polluting vehicles off the road, local air quality will improve. To view full guidance, please click here.

Low Emission Zone Support Fund for households [OPEN]

Low emission zones in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee are now live. Energy Saving Trust is offering households, within a 20km radius of the low emission zones, up to £3,000 towards the safe disposal of non-compliant vehicles. To find out more, click here.

North Ayrshire Council - Green Jobs Fund [OPEN]

The Green Jobs Fund (GJF) helps businesses, community groups and potential investors explore renewable energy generation and circular economy schemes that can create local, fair, green jobs. North Ayrshire's Business Team will respond to your enquiry within 5 working days. To view guidance, click here.

North Carrick Community Benefit Company [OPEN, closes 11th January 2023]

The NCCBC was formed as a company limited by guarantee in June 2014 and registered as a Charity in August of 2015.The company is set up to administer grant funding from renewable energy sources and any other source that fits with the company and its charitable status. For further information, please click here.

On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme [OPEN]

Local authorities can receive a grant to part-fund up to a maximum of 60% of capital costs relating to the procurement and installation of residential electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure. Many projects may require less grant funding.

OZEV can fund up to a maximum of £7,500 per chargepoint, unless electrical connection costs are exceptionally high. In these cases, funding up to £13,000 per chargepoint may be provided. For guidance, click here.

Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan [OPEN]

Registered private landlords, acting either as an individual or a business that owns privately rented properties, can apply. Home Energy Scotland will only accept applications from individuals or official representatives of the business that will own the equipment, materials and property at the time the loan is paid. See full fund guidance by clicking here.

Scottish Government Heat Network Fund [OPEN, applications reviewed quarterly]

£300 million will be made available, over the next parliamentary session, to support the development and rollout of zero emission heat networks across Scotland. This fair and open fund aims to stimulate commercial interest, investment and maximise Scotland’s vast potential in the low carbon sector, whilst contributing to the positive progress on reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Scotland’s Heat Network Fund is open to all public and private sector applicants. To see guidance, click here

SME Loan Fund (with cashback while funds last) [OPEN]

The SME Loan fund offers small and medium-sized enterprises based in Scotland loans of up to £100,000 for renewable or energy efficiency projects. You may be able to get up to £20,000 as cashback. This is on a first come basis. The loan funding is provided by the Scottish Government. To view guidance, click here.

SME Loan Scheme [OPEN]

Funded by the Scottish Government, the loan scheme can help organisations by offering interest-free loan funding of up to £100,000 for a variety of energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation, heating or double glazing. To view full guidance, click here.

Social Enterprise Net Zero Transition Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The fund will support projects that reduce your organisation's carbon footprint, including activities such as: reduce energy consumption; improve energy efficiency; develop or help move to renewable energy sources; help transition to sustainable transport options and more. To view guidelines, click here.

SP Energy Networks Net Zero Fund [OPEN]

SP Energy Networks has launched a new Transmission Net Zero Fund to help ensure communities, who are facing barriers in taking part in the net zero transition, aren’t left behind on Scotland’s journey to net zero. Eligible Council areas include: Cumnock CC, New Cumnock CC, Leadhills CC, Douglas CC, Lesmahagow CC, Coalburn CC, Muirkirk CC, Kirkconnel and Kelloholm CC

For full fund details, click here.

Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme discounted membership [OPEN, applications close in March 2023]

Micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the tourism sector in Scotland could be eligible for a £500 discount on fees that join the EarthCheck, Green Key and Green Tourism certification schemes.

To receive the discount, you will need to join one of the 3 certification schemes by March 2023. To apply, and see guidance, please click here.

Switched on Taxis Loan [OPEN]

Interest-free loans of up to £150,000 are available to help owners and operators of hackney cabs (purpose-built taxis) or private hire taxis to replace their current vehicle with an eligible ultra-low emission vehicle.

The maximum amount of loan support available to purchase one electric car is £30,000, or £35,000 for one electric van. The vehicle must cost £50,000 or less. To see guidance, click here.

Transform Net Zero [Projects must be finished by June 2023]

This project is designed to lead Scotland toward a low-carbon economy by encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and drink sector to explore new market opportunities and find ways to move toward zero waste.

Companies will collaborate with academic and industrial partners and benefit from their expertise in food innovation, environment and computer games. To view guidance, click here.

Used Electric Vehicle Loan [OPEN]

The Used Electric Vehicle Loan can be used for the purchase of a used electric car, van, motorcycle or moped by individuals in Scotland. Plug-in hybrid models are not eligible for funding. Current owners of pure (fully) electric vehicles are not eligible for this loan. For full guidance, click here.

Used Electric Vehicle Loan for Businesses [OPEN]

In September 2020, the Low Carbon Transport Loan was extended to cover used electric vehicles. This means that Scottish businesses of all sizes can now receive financial support towards the purchase of a used electric vehicle.

The Used Electric Vehicle Loan can be used for the purchase of a used electric car, van, motorcycle or moped by businesses that currently actively operate in Scotland. To view guidance, click here.

Warmer Homes Scotland [OPEN]

The Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland programme offers funding and support to households struggling to stay warm and keep on top of energy bills.

Warmer Homes Scotland is designed to help people make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing a range of energy saving improvements. The Scottish Government is offering assistance to homeowners and private sector tenants struggling to heat their home, who have lived in their property for at least twelve months, and who meet the eligibility criteria. To view guidance, click here.

Zero Emission Bus Market Transition Scheme [OPEN, closes 9th December 2022]

Funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Energy Saving Trust, this new £500,000 grant will target SME bus and coach operators; community, home-to-school, and transport-to-healthcare bus operators; and financiers and other third parties who wish to collaborate or establish a consortium with these operators. To view guidance, click here.

Zero Emission Mobility Innovation Fund [OPEN]

Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland have developed ZEMIF to support Scottish based businesses to scale the manufacture of prototype zero emission niche and HDV components, systems and vehicles through R&D activities.

The fund will encourage collaboration and clustering of innovation activity as projects move towards low-volume manufacturing. Successful project outcomes will be commercialised to fuel the decarbonisation of niche and HDVs in Scotland and across the globe. To find out more, click here.

FOOD & DRINK FUNDING

No funding streams currently available. Please check back soon as this page is regularly updated.

FUNDING TO SUPPORT TRAINING, RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT & DIGITISATION

SMART SCOTLAND grant [OPEN]

The SMART: SCOTLAND grant is one of Scottish Enterprises' research and development (R&D) grants that aims to support high-risk, highly ambitious projects.

It covers conducting feasibility studies. The grant is only available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs)* based in Scotland and supports activities that have a commercial endpoint. To find out more, click here.

Eurostars funding for innovation Scottish SMEs

Scottish SMEs developing new products and services are invited to join a webinar on Eurostars funding. Meet the Eurostars National Point of Contact (NPC), hear about the funding, and learn about the support available for Scottish applicants. To sign-up, please click here.

The Scale-up Scotland leadership programme [OPEN]

18-month cohort based programme aimed at ambitious entrepreneurs and firms with the potential and desire to grow sales beyond £20-£30 million. Participants need to demonstrate continual development both of themselves and their organisation throughout the programme. The time commitment is 1.5 days approximately every 8 weeks.

To view programme details, click here.

Ayrshire College Business Development Courses [OPEN year round]

Ayrshire College offer a range of off-the-shelf and virtual, face-to-face and bespoke courses across a range of subject areas.

By working closely with you, Ayrshire College will identify the issues and skills gaps you want to address. Their off-the-shelf courses can be adapted to suit the needs of your business; course lengths can be shortened or extended to suit your availability; additional components or themes can be incorporated and on-site delivery can be arranged to allow the course to be delivered in the workplace if preferred. Find out more by clicking here.

University of the West of Scotland CPD Courses [OPEN year round]

UWS offers a full range of in-house, fully customised training across a full range of specialist subjects, including: Business; Computing; Creative Industries; Education; Health; Life Sciences and more.

To view the full course range and guidance, click here.

Help To Grow - Funded Management Programme from University of the West of Scotland

The Government-backed Help to Grow Management programme is delivered in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs who will provide you with the knowledge, practical skills and accountability to help your business reach its full potential. 12-weeks worth of blended learning. Click here to find out more.

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Strategic Research Programme (SRP) [OPENING SOON]

Projects which aim to boost food security in Scotland and address the biodiversity and climate crises will benefit from a major Scottish Government funding programme.

Help to Grow: Digital [OPEN]

Access free, impartial online support about how digital technology can boost your business’s performance. If your business is eligible, you can also access a discount of up to 50% towards the costs of buying approved software, worth up to £5,000. To view guidance, click here.

Free 'Future Proofing' support for Scottish Manufacturers [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

Through funding from the Scottish Government’s £25 million National Transition Training Fund (NTTF), National Manufacturing Institute Scotland's (NMIS) experts are providing free support to help manufacturing businesses like yours. Along with upskilling of your workforce, we can help improve your knowledge of the funding landscape, as you recover and grow following the pandemic. To see guidance, and apply, please click here.

F lexible Workforce Development Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) provides employers in Scotland who are UK Apprenticeship Levy-payers with flexible workforce development training opportunities within the high-quality learning environments available in Scotland’s colleges. It is also open to SMEs across the private, public and third sectors.

Eligible employers can use the FWDF to address priority skills gaps in their organisation by accessing up to £15,000 in funding to create tailored training programmes with their local college. To view guidance, click here.

The Business Boost competition [OPEN, closes 17th August 2022]

If you're a small business owner, Simply Business want to hear from you. Simply Business is giving away £25,000 to one lucky entrepreneur who can impress their industry judging panel. All you need to do is fill in the form and tell the judging panel why you should win. Click here to find out more.

FUNDING FOR CHARITABLE & COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

Community Wealth Building Grant [OPEN]

Community Wealth Building is an alternative approach to traditional economic development, which seeks to develop resilient, inclusive local economies, with more local employment and a larger and more diverse business base. This approach harnesses existing resources to support the local economy: procurement; employment; land and assets; financial power; and plural ownership of the economy. Click here for further information.

Ayrshire Rural and Islands Ambition (ARIA) Fund [OPEN]

This fund replaces previous EU rural development fund LEADER and forms part of the Scottish Government’s Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme. Rural Ayrshire & the islands of Arran & Cumbrae may apply for ARIA funding. Potential applicants should engage with ARIA Fund staff before applying. ARIA Fund aims: Community Wealth Building; Reducing Inequalities; Just Transition to Net Zero; Sustainable Tourism. To view guidance, click here.

Scottish Land Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The Scottish Land Fund is a capital grant funding programme that helps communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership of land and buildings.

The fund offers grants of between £5,000 and £1 million to help communities take ownership of the land and buildings that matter to them. To view guidance, please click here.

Co-op Local Community Fund [OPEN]

To be eligible for consideration for this fund you must be a not for profit group and deliver a project to benefit your local community. If the webpage states the Co-operative are not receiving any more applications from your geographical area, please check back in a few weeks as you may be able to apply in the next round of funding. To view guidance, please click here.

Destination South Ayrshire Grant [OPEN, closing dates: Friday 21st October 2022, Friday 20th January 2023]

Destination South Ayrshire have a limited fund available for grants to be awarded to communities, businesses, charities and organisations looking to carry out events and initiatives in 2022 and 2023. Proposals will require to prove the value to the visitor economy and or the benefit to the community. There are two categories of grants - up to £1,000 and between £1,000- £5,000. To see guidance, click here.

National Lottery Awards for All Scotland [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The 'Awards for All Scotland' fund is a quick way to apply for funding between £300 and £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities. Applications should do at least one of the following: bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities; improve the places and spaces that matter to communities; or help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage. For further guidance, click here.

KFC Community Grants Programme [OPEN, no closing date announced]

The KFC Foundation provides grants to support grassroots organisations in the heart of our restaurant’s communities. Organisations empowering young people in the UK to fulfil their potential by providing safe social spaces, mentoring or work, and social skills. To see guidance, click here.

Urquhart Opticians - Care & Community Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

applications can be submitted in the first 2 weeks of every month. Each month, the Urquhart's ‘Care & Community’ fund has £1000 available for local Ayrshire groups and charities.

National Lottery Young Start Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

The fund seeks to fund projects helping young people aged eight to 24 to become more confident and play an active part in realising their potential. National Lottery want to fund work that achieves at least one of the following three outcomes: children and young people have better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing; children and young people have better connections with the wider community; or children and young people get access to new skills and training opportunities which will help them to get a new job or start a business. For further guidance, click here.

National Lottery Scottish Land Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The fund is looking to support urban and rural communities to become more resilient and sustainable through the ownership and management of land and land assets. Successful applicants will clearly demonstrate that their project will help their local community to: achieve more sustainable economic, environmental and/or social development through ownership of land and buildings; have a stronger role in and control over their own development; or own well managed, financially sustainable land and buildings. To see guidance, click here.

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £3,000 to £10,000 [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means National Lottery will prioritise heritage projects that: promote inclusion and involve a wider range of people (a mandatory outcome); boost the local economy; encourage skills development and job creation; support wellbeing; create better places to live, work and visit; improve the resilience of organisations working in heritage. To view guidance, click here.

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000 [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

This guidance is for applications for grants from £250,000 to £5million. At this grant level, you must first send National Lottery an Expression of Interest. To view guidance, click here.

FUNDING FOR THE ARTS SECTOR

Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance [OPEN, closes 31st October 2022 at 2pm]

The Touring Fund for Theatre and Dance supports theatre and dance organisations, companies, producers, and individuals to tour high-quality work throughout Scotland. The fund will help the live theatre and dance sector re-engage with audiences by presenting work in conventional and non-conventional formats and staging. Creative Scotland are looking to support work that will tour predominately from autumn 2023. To view guidance, click here.

Screen Scotland - Distribution Fund [OPEN]

Screen Scotland's Distribution Fund provides funding for the distribution of Scottish feature films with the potential to have a strong cultural impact within Scotland. The fund enables distributors of Scottish feature films to reach wide and diverse domestic audiences. To see fund details, please click here.

Screen Scotland - Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund [OPEN, closes 29th November 2022]

The fund supports organisations that produce film festivals and screening programmes that increase the reach, depth, and diversity of screen culture for audiences in Scotland. All physical, in-person screenings and activity supported by this fund must be presented to audiences in Scotland. To read fund guidance, click here.

Crisis Fund for Independent Music Contractors [OPEN, no closing date announced yet]

The Association of Independent Music and its members have launched a support fund aimed at the contractors and freelance workers in the independent music industry whose source of income has been severed without warning due to lost work in April and May as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. AIM Rightsholder members can now invite their artists and their artists’ managers to nominate candidates to be pre-approved on this basis. To apply, click here.

Sustaining Creative Development [OPEN, no closing date announced]

Sustaining Creative Development aims to enable organisations to explore ways of working that will help them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances. This fund is designed to support you to sustain your practice in a changing world.

To view guidance, click here.

GENERAL BUSINESS FUNDING & GRANTS

East Ayrshire Council Business Start-Up Grant [OPEN]

The East Ayrshire Business Start-Up Grant is designed for businesses in East Ayrshire that have been trading for 12 months or less. East Ayrshire Council can contribute up to 50% of your project costs. Grants range from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000.

You are eligible if your business: is based in East Ayrshire and has been trading for 12 months or less. Micro-businesses, enterprises and self-employed people are all eligible. To view full guidance, click here.

Fast Start: Innovation grants [OPEN]

Innovate UK’s new series of Fast Start: Innovation grants will give hundreds of UK small and micro-businesses the opportunity to grow and realise their ideas faster.

Grants of £50,000 each will provide a fast way to boost cash flow, helping to propel those highly innovative ideas that have a clear route to commercialisation. To view guidance, click here.

Directly funded research projects [OPEN]

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) often works with companies which have some very innovative and creative ideas for solving their problems and developing their businesses, but don’t have the funds to help them achieve their aims.

There is no charge to initially engage with NMIS and any subsequent projects will be costed and scoped individually. To view guidance, click here.

UMi Debt Finance Scotland [OPEN]

This funding includes UMi Debt Finance Scotland, which is managed by UMi Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and provides loans of £25,001 to £250,000 to eligible businesses.

Loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including: working capital; capital expenditure, and/or growth funding. To view guidance, click here.

Start-up & Growth Loan [OPEN, no closing date announced]

Businesses in Scotland can borrow between £25,000 and £100,000 to get your business started, purchase of new or used plant, machinery or equipment, expand into new markets and more. To view guidance, click here.

Foresight Scottish Growth Fund [OPEN]

The Scottish Growth Scheme is a package of financial support of up to £500 million for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. Backed by the Scottish Government, it aims to help businesses grow. Eligibility criteria applies. To view guidance, click here.

Employment Allowance from GOV.UK [OPEN, no closing date announced]

HMRC have recently increased the Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £5,000 to further benefit SMEs. You can claim Employment Allowance if you’re a business or charity (including community amateur sports clubs) and your employers’ Class 1 National Insurance liabilities were less than £100,000 in the previous tax year. You can also claim if you employ a care or support worker. To check eligibility, please click here.

2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme [Temporary measures from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023]

At the Budget on 27 October the Chancellor announced the introduction of a new business rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality and leisure properties worth almost £1.7 billion in 2022/23. This will support the businesses that make our high streets and town centres a success and help them to evolve and adapt to changing consumer demands.

The 2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief scheme will provide eligible, occupied, retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a 50% relief, up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business. To view guidance, click here.

Techstart Ventures Equity Finance [OPEN]

The equity funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including: growth funding; research and development; working capital, and/ or capital expenditure.

Techstart Ventures invests principally in early stage start-ups and SMEs who are developing innovative new products with high growth and export potential. To view guidance, click here.

HEALTH & WELLBEING FUNDING

The Happiness Fund [REOPENED ON 1st July 2022]

The Happiness Fund is available to enable and support projects which improve mental health and wellbeing, inclusion, learning and skills development in local communities. The fund aims to build happy, strong, resilient communities by supporting grassroots, not-for-profit projects that enable sustainable outcomes in: Mental health Wellbeing & happiness; Inclusion; Learning and skills development.

To view guidance, please click here.

The Care & Wellbeing Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

The Fund invests in projects run by social enterprises (either as CICs or limited companies) that tackle the challenges faced by those affected by cancer or generating learning that can benefit people affected by cancer. To view guidance, click here.

COVID-19 FUNDING

Extra hardship payments for students [OPEN, no closing date announced]

You should apply to the funding/support team at your college or university.

Their student support services will assess the hardship payments, including how much is available. They may give priority for some students based on their needs.

Emergency coronavirus (COVID-19) Funding - Scottish private colleges and training providers [OPEN, no closing date announced]

There is currently an emergency hardship fund open to SAAS funded students. You must be studying full-time at a private provider of higher education in Scotland or the rest of the UK.

You must also be facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Examples of hardship are, but not limited to: additional phone/broadband charges as a result of remote learning; unexpected unemployment or furloughing; additional childcare costs and more.

The maximum amount payable to each student is £400.

Remobilising NHS Dentists Fund [Distributed through NHS boards]

Additional funding of up to £5 million is available to NHS dentists to help remobilise services as Scotland recovers from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This new funding will help NHS dental practices to purchase, renew or upgrade ventilation equipment as improved ventilation in surgeries can substantially reduce the time between seeing patients, and offer dental teams the opportunity to see more patients safely.

COVID-19 Business Improvement District Resilience Fund [OPEN, closing date is specific to applicant]

Business Improvement Districts (BID) can play a vital role in the coronavirus (COVID-19) response in their local area. Once a Business Improvement District determines how best to support local businesses and communities and agrees on a plan with their local authority, they can then apply for a share of the £1 million COVID-19 BID Resilience Fund from the Scottish Government to support that project or programme.

Please note: This fund is for Business Improvement Districts in Scotland only.

Self Isolation Support Grant [OPEN, no closing date announced]

UPDATE: From 1 May 2022 the grant amount changed from £550 to £225. If you test positive, the public health guidance advises you to stay at home for 5 days. You will only qualify if you are a low paid worker who will lose money and you meet the other criteria.

Low-income workers in Scotland may be eligible for a £500 Self Isolation Support Grant if they are told by Test and Protect to self-isolate due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Both employees and self-employed individuals are eligible.

You can only apply for this grant through your local council. You can do this any time during the 28 days from the date you start to self-isolate. Read more here.

Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF) [OPEN, closing soon due to limited funds]

The Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF) from Scottish Government aims to support local, community-based organisations with small grants of up to £8,000 to deliver activities that help people mitigate the impact of welfare reform. To view guidance, click here.

East Ayrshire - COVID-19 Community Support Grant [OPEN]

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to groups who are implementing actions to assist their communities with COVID-19 projects. To see guidance, click here.

Arnold Clark Community Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

In March 2020, Arnold Clark launched their first ever Community Fund in order to provide financial help to community groups and charities that had been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund currently has a focus on: poverty relief, food banks, toy banks, housing and accommodation. To see guidance, click here.

MISC FUNDS & GRANTS

New package of support to help over 50s jobseekers back into work

£22 million will be invested in new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits, as a stable income is the best route for people to support themselves through challenging times.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into, and progress in work, boosting their earnings ahead of retirement. To read more, click here.

Rapid Response aquaculture fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

The Rapid Response fund supports collaborative research and development projects in the field of aquaculture.

Applicants must be a consortium that includes industry and academic partners, and must fall within at least one of the following areas of research: fish health and welfare, aquaculture industry capacity, and shellfish and other non-finfish species.

This is a fast-tracked process for projects that will help the aquaculture sector adapt to a new commercial and operational reality in the months and years ahead. The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) will provide a package of up to £50,000 to successful applicants. To see guidance, click here.

Scottish Child Payment Fund [OPEN, no closing date announced]

This is a new payment for families on certain benefits or tax credits to help towards the costs of looking after a child. It’s £40 paid every four weeks for each child under six. Read the guidance document here.