Deadline: 31 July 2025
Entries are now open for the Graduate Placement Grants Programme to support salary costs for businesses for a two-year period to employ a new graduate within their business.
Funding Information
- The Graduate placement scheme currently supports placements for 2 years up to 70% of salary costs (excluding Employer NI and Pension contributions).
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
Application Requirements
- Applicants must provide:
- A copy of latest accounts
- Insurance certificates
- Relevant Health & Safety documentation
- Any other supporting documentation to strengthen your application
For more information, visit Caithness Business Fund.
