Deadline Date: July 29, 2026
The Graduate Placement Grants programme is now accepting applications to support businesses in the United Kingdom by subsidising graduate salary costs and strengthening workforce development.
The focus areas, include supporting graduate employment in small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthening skills development in growth sectors such as energy, food and drink, space, and tourism, addressing skills shortages, and promoting long-term business development and workforce capacity building.
The programme is designed to support businesses by funding a significant portion of graduate salary costs over a two-year period. It aims to encourage the recruitment of graduates into roles that contribute to business growth, innovation, and skills development, particularly in sectors identified as priorities for regional economic development.
The scheme provides support of up to 70 percent of salary costs for a period of two years for businesses hiring a new graduate. Preference is given to businesses operating in or expanding into growth sectors, as well as to placements in areas experiencing skills shortages.
Eligible applicants must be small and medium-sized enterprises, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies based in the Caithness and North Sutherland area. Applicants must demonstrate financial viability, including owner investment, and show clear plans for business growth or development. Applications for capital equipment are generally not considered unless directly linked to growth or additionality.
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
