Deadline Date: May 21, 2026
The Business Start-Up, Growth, and Training Grants offers to Support small and medium-sized enterprises in the Caithness and North Sutherland area to help them grow, train their workforce, and create new jobs.
The program focuses on supporting training initiatives that link directly to business growth, start-up ventures with potential for employment creation, and existing businesses that can demonstrate that grant funding will result in the creation of new jobs, not merely retention.
Eligible applicants must be small to medium enterprises, including sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies, demonstrating financial viability and owner investment. Grants from £2k – £5k are currently available to support business start-ups, those with growth plans, training needs and some apprenticeships. The grants are not available for lifestyle or hobby businesses unless they offer unique benefits to the local area. Certain sectors are excluded, including alcohol, environmentally harmful activities, financial services, gambling, morally or ethically controversial activities, primary agriculture, property development, and weapons.
The funding is intended to enable businesses to develop their workforce through relevant training, launch or expand ventures responsibly, and create meaningful employment opportunities in the region. Capital equipment is only supported if it contributes directly to business growth or additionality. Businesses are encouraged to clearly demonstrate how the grant will enhance their operations and generate tangible benefits for employees and the wider community.
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
