Business Start-Up, Growth & Training Grants (United Kingdom)

Focus areas include providing relevant training courses for employees that link to business growth and development, supporting new business start-ups that demonstrate potential for growth and job creation, and aiding existing businesses with expansion plans that result in the creation of new jobs.

These grants are available to small and medium-sized enterprises, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, operating within the Dounreay Travel to Work Area. Training grants are intended for businesses seeking to enhance employee skills in ways that clearly benefit business growth. Start-up grants are aimed at entrepreneurs who can show both the ambition and potential to develop a business that contributes uniquely to the local area. Growth grants target existing businesses with concrete plans to expand and create additional employment opportunities. Funding amounts currently range from £2,000 to £5,000, supporting start-ups, growth initiatives, training programs, and some apprenticeships.

Applicants must demonstrate financial viability, including personal investment, and must not apply for retrospective funding. Grants cannot be used for general capital equipment unless it directly contributes to growth or additionality. Recipients are required to provide progress reports as requested and participate in publicity regarding the grant award.

Certain sectors and activities are excluded from eligibility, including alcohol, environmentally harmful activities, financial services, gambling, ethically or morally controversial activities, primary agriculture and forestry, property development, and weapons-related businesses. Lifestyle or hobby businesses without scalable potential are advised to seek support through Business Gateway rather than this fund.

For more information, visit CBF.