What is the Orkney Islands New Business Start Up Grant?
The Orkney Islands New Business Start Up Grant is a discretionary grant of between £500 and £1,500. It is available to new businesses based in Orkney that have been trading for less than 6 months. The grant has been designed as a sustainable business development support for start-up projects that will help grow the rural economy.
The grant aims to drive up the competitiveness, growth and survival rates of infant businesses. The discretionary grant will be delivered by Orkney Island Council’s Business Gateway team, and is open to applications from new small businesses located in Orkney. The grant funding for new businesses can provide between £500 and £1,500 towards total costs.
The grant can be used for:
- capital equipment
- marketing costs
- training costs
- combined start-up costs
You are eligible if your business:
- is located in Orkney
- is a new start-up that has been trading for less than 6 months
- is operated by the business owner
- employs less than 50 people
- is not part of of a management buy-in or buy-out
- has not been the recipient of a previous start-up grant
- is registered with Business Gateway Orkney
Franchise businesses are also eligible to apply for the start-up grant. They must be ethical franchises accredited by the British Franchise Association (BFA). Applicants must be able to demonstrate a need for funding and show there will be no negative effect on other Orkney businesses as a result of the funding. It is important that Orkney Islands Council monitor and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the grant programme
