Caithness Business Fund Grants for Start-Up, Growth, and Training Support (United Kingdom)

Focus Areas/Objectives/Priorities/Themes: The mission of the Caithness Business Fund is to promote the economic growth of Caithness and North Sutherland by supporting new or existing businesses and developing the skill base to meet new opportunities. Grants from £2,000 to £5,000 are currently available to support business start-ups, those with growth plans, training needs, and some apprenticeships. The FutureSkills apprenticeship scheme currently supports businesses up to £24,500 over three years. The Graduate placement scheme currently supports placements for two years up to 70% of salary costs (excluding Employer NI and Pension contributions).

The Caithness Business Fund provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the Caithness and North Sutherland region, defined as the Dounreay Travel to Work Area. Eligible applicants include sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies that demonstrate financial viability and owner investment. The fund is designed to assist those starting a new business that does not significantly displace existing enterprises or those developing an existing business through training, growth, or employment of apprentices and graduates.

Applications from businesses that are purely lifestyle or hobby-based with no scalability are not eligible, and the fund excludes certain sectors such as alcohol, gambling, primary agriculture, property development, and weapons manufacturing. The grants are awarded on the condition that recipients provide progress reports, participate in publicity, and do not seek retrospective funding.

For apprenticeship grants, applicants must use the specific apprenticeship application form and submit supporting documentation, including business accounts, insurance certificates, health and safety documents, and a detailed apprenticeship budget. Similarly, graduate placement grants require a dedicated form and apply to graduate-level roles lasting 24 months. The scheme prioritises businesses in growth sectors such as energy, food and drink, space, and tourism, as well as placements in skill shortage areas. The salary range supported is between £25,000 and £32,000, with up to £1,250 annually available for continuing professional development through local training providers.

Businesses applying for start-up, growth, or training grants must provide a comprehensive business plan and financial information, including projected cash flow, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. Existing businesses must also include historic accounts and management reports. All applications are assessed based on their alignment with the fund’s mission to stimulate regional economic growth and develop the local skill base.

For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.