Deadline Date: April 15, 2026
The Graduate Placement Grants offer financial assistance to businesses to help employ new graduates and support business growth within the Caithness and North Sutherland area.
The scheme focuses on supporting businesses within or seeking to develop into growth sectors such as energy, food and drink, space, and tourism, with additional priority given to placements in skills shortage areas. Grants are available to support business start-ups, businesses with growth plans, training needs, and certain apprenticeships, covering between £2,000 and £5,000.
Eligible applicants must be small to medium enterprises, including sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies, and must be based in the Dounreay Travel to Work Area. The grants are intended for businesses that are either starting up, provided they do not significantly displace existing businesses, or developing existing operations through growth plans, training, or by employing an apprentice or graduate. Applicants are required to demonstrate financial viability, including owner investment, and capital equipment funding will only be considered if it contributes to growth or additionality. Very small lifestyle or hobby businesses with no scalability are not eligible and are advised to approach Business Gateway instead.
Recipients of the grants must provide progress reports as requested and agree to participate in publicity related to the grant. Retrospective funding applications are not accepted. Certain sectors and business activities are excluded, including alcohol, activities with a detrimental environmental impact, financial services, gambling, morally or ethically controversial activities, primary agriculture including forestry, property development, and weapons-related businesses.
For more information, visit CBF.
