Deadline Date: January 08, 2026
The Caithness Business Fund is currently accepting applications for its Business Start-Up, Growth and Training Grants.
The Fund focuses on supporting small to medium enterprises in Caithness and North Sutherland that aim to start a business, expand operations, develop staff skills, or employ apprentices and graduates. Grants are designed to promote economic growth, business scalability, and sustainable development within the region. Caithness Business Fund grants range from £2,000 to £5,000 to support business start-ups, growth initiatives, and training needs, Graduate placements are supported for two years at up to 70% of salary costs, excluding Employer NI and pension contributions. Applicants are generally limited to one application per year.
Applicants must provide a business plan and financial information. Start-ups should submit two-year projected cash flow, profit and loss, and balance sheet forecasts, or management accounts if trading history is short. Existing businesses must provide two years of historic accounts, management accounts to date, and two-year cash flow forecasts showing the impact of the proposed project.
Eligible applicants must be small to medium SMEs, including sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies, based in the Dounreay Travel to Work Area. The Fund will not support very small lifestyle or hobby businesses without scalability. Applications should demonstrate financial viability, including owner investment. Grants will not cover capital equipment such as computers or printers unless linked to growth or additionality.
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
