Deadline: 31 July 2025
Applications are now open for the Apprenticeship Grants Programme for businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment.
Funding Information
- The FutureSkills apprenticeship scheme currently supports businesses up to £24,500 over 3 years.
Excluded Sectors/Business Activities
- Alcohol
- Activities having a detrimental impact on the environment
- Financial Services
- Gambling
- Morally or Ethically controversial activities
- Primary Agriculture (including forestry)
- Property Development
- Weapons
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a small to medium SME i.e. sole trader, partnership or limited company. For avoidance of doubt the Fund will not support very small lifestyle/hobby businesses with no scalability and suggest these applications be directed to Business Gateway.
- Based in the Caithness and North Sutherland area (defined as the Dounreay Travel to Work Area).
- Looking to:
- Start a new business (and which in the Fund’s view does not significantly displace another business).
- Developing an existing business i.e. through training, growth plans or employing an apprentice or graduate.
- Applicant must demonstrate financial viability
- Applications will not be considered for capital equipment such as computer/printers unless they demonstrate growth or additionality.
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
