Grants and funding for businesses

The South Lanarkshire Business Support Grant (SLBSG) is a discretionary grant fund targeted at assisting the growth of existing businesses based in South Lanarkshire. The grant fund supports local businesses to implement projects that will create new jobs, increase turnover, and/ or help businesses reduce their energy usage and make progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions in a quantifiable manner.

SLBGG grants will provide up to 50% of eligible project costs (excluding VAT) and up to a maximum total grant award of £2,000. The grant is paid retrospectively, and evidence of expenditure must be provided before any payment of grant award. Applications will only be supported for projects that have not started and/or no form of commitment (financial or otherwise) has been made.

Businesses must have been actively trading for at least one year to be considered for this grant.

Businesses can only be approved for one application for this grant during the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Businesses that received approval and financial support from the South Lanarkshire Business Growth Grant from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025 will not be eligible for support.

The types of project costs we can consider are detailed below:

Capital equipment purchases. Examples could be the purchase of capital equipment that will help you diversify into new products, improve your processes, access new customers or assist your business's journey to net zero.

Training grant to support training costs that will assist the business growth. Examples could be training that is non-statutory and not core to the business, such as quality or e-commerce related, or other training that will improve skills within the business. Training that can be supported under any other training funding, including Skills Development Scotland, should not be applied for within this application.

Exploring new markets. Grants towards exhibition space and stand costs of attending UK and international trade events.

Projects with eligible costs of less than £4,000 will not be eligible for this grant.

Please note that the maximum grant for any application will be no more than 10% of the most recent turnover value of the company.

To find out more, see our Business Support Grant page.

Business Energy Scotland provides unsecured, interest free Scottish Government loans of up to £100,000 for energy and carbon saving upgrades. They also have a £30,000 cashback grant

The King's Trust can help anyone aged 18-30 with test my business grants as well as start up grants and loans.

DSL Business Finance is a not-for-profit lender dedicated to supporting the start-up, growth and development of small businesses, charities, and social enterprises in South Lanarkshire.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business seeking expansion, DSL can help. They offer loans of up to £100,000, even if you've been turned down by traditional lenders. DSL’s partnership with the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme allows us to provide flexible financing options, regardless of your credit history or security.

DSL offers loans for start up and existing businesses.

Start Up Loans is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK.

With a fixed interest rate of just 6% per annum and the ability to borrow between £500 and £25,000, Start Up Loans offer an affordable source of finance to help new and early-stage business owners bring their plans to life.

Start Up Loans are available to individuals over the age of 18 who are eligible to start a business in the UK. Individuals can only receive one Start Up Loan, however more than one partner in a business can be eligible to apply for a loan.

• Up to £25,000 available
• 6% fixed interest rate
• For businesses that have been trading for less than 24 months
• 1-5 year loan term
• No application fee
• No early repayment fee

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is a discretionary grant program offered by Scottish Enterprise to encourage investment and job creation in designated areas of Scotland. This funding is designed to support businesses looking to expand or relocate to specific regions within the country.

How can RSA benefit your business?

• Financial support: RSA grants can cover a significant portion of your project costs, reducing your overall investment.
• Job creation: By investing in your business, you can contribute to the local economy and create new jobs.
• Economic Development: RSA supports the growth of specific regions in Scotland, helping to revitalize local economies.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for RSA, your business must meet certain criteria, including:

• Project location: Your project must be located within a designated assisted area in Scotland.
• Job creation: Your project must create a minimum number of jobs.
• Investment threshold: Your project must involve a significant level of investment.

How to apply

To apply for RSA, you should contact Business Gateway Lanarkshire. They can provide guidance on the application process and help you determine your eligibility.

Scottish Enterprise offers a range of grants and funding programs to support businesses undertaking research and development (R&D) activities in Scotland. These grants are designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

What kind of projects are eligible?

R&D grants from Scottish Enterprise can support a wide range of innovative projects, including:

• Developing new products or services: This could involve creating entirely new offerings or significantly improving existing ones.
• Improving existing products or services: Grants can be used to enhance the performance, efficiency, or sustainability of current products or services.
• Developing new processes: This includes developing new ways of manufacturing, delivering, or distributing products and services.

How much funding can I get?

The amount of funding available varies depending on the specific grant program and the nature of your project. However, grants can cover a significant portion of your eligible R&D costs.

How to apply for a Scottish Enterprise R&D grant

1. Check eligibility: Ensure your business and project meet the specific criteria for the grant program you're interested in
2. Prepare a strong application: Develop a detailed project proposal outlining your R&D objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
3. Submit your application: Follow the guidelines provided by Scottish Enterprise to submit your application on time

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and specific grant programs, please speak to Business Gateway Lanarkshire or visit the Scottish Enterprise website.

UKSE provides tailored financial solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Their investment opportunities typically include:

• Equity Finance: UKSE can invest in your business by purchasing a minority stake, providing capital to fuel growth and expansion.
• Loan Finance: They offer a variety of loan products, including secured and unsecured loans, to support working capital needs, asset purchases, and business development.

FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot directs your business to Scotland’s public sector support. It gives customers an overview of all funding and services offered by public sector organisations across Scotland. This makes it quicker and easier for businesses to find the information, advice and support they need, when they need it.

Information is available for businesses of all sizes – from start-ups to established companies, from sole traders to large enterprises, from commercial businesses to social enterprises.