Deadline Date: January 08, 2026
The Caithness Business Fund is seeking applications for its Apprenticeship Grants to support businesses which can demonstrate a strong commitment to hosting a modern apprenticeship, providing a supportive pathway and desire to grow and create employment.
The Fund focuses on supporting business start-ups, businesses with growth plans, training needs, apprenticeships, and graduate placements. The FutureSkills apprenticeship scheme can support businesses up to £24,500 over three years. The Graduate Placement scheme provides funding for up to 70% of salary costs over two years, excluding Employer NI and Pension contributions.
Eligible applicants include small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies, based in the Caithness and North Sutherland area. Supported activities include starting a new business without significantly displacing existing businesses, developing an existing business through training or growth initiatives, and employing apprentices or graduates. Applicants must demonstrate financial viability, including owner investment, and projects must show growth or additionality if seeking funding for capital equipment.
Certain sectors and business activities are excluded from funding, including alcohol, activities harmful to the environment, financial services, gambling, morally or ethically controversial activities, primary agriculture (including forestry), property development, and weapons. Some funds may carry additional sector-specific restrictions.
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
