What Grants Are Available in Scotland?
Scotland has one of the most comprehensive business support ecosystems in the UK. Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Business Gateway work together to provide funding at every stage of business growth.
From start-up grants through Business Gateway to multi-million pound R&D funding from Scottish Enterprise, there's support available for ambitious Scottish businesses across all sectors.
Who is eligible for Scottish business grants? Most grants require your business to be registered and operating in Scotland. Eligibility varies by scheme, but Scottish Enterprise typically supports businesses with high growth potential, while Business Gateway focuses on SMEs and start-ups.
Types of Scottish Grants
Scotland offers diverse funding options from national agencies to local authority support.
Scottish Enterprise Grants
Scotland's national economic development agency offering R&D grants, innovation support, and growth funding for ambitious Scottish businesses.
Funding: £5,000 - £5M+
Eligibility: Scottish-based businesses with growth potential
Highlands & Islands Enterprise
Regional development funding for businesses in the Highlands and Islands, including growth grants, community projects, and rural enterprise support.
Funding: £1,000 - £1M+
Eligibility: Businesses in HIE region
Business Gateway Grants
Local authority grants delivered through Business Gateway, including start-up grants, growth funding, and specialist support programmes.
Funding: £500 - £25,000
Eligibility: Scottish SMEs and start-ups
Scottish Growth Scheme
Government-backed funding to help Scottish SMEs access finance for growth, including loans and equity investment alongside grants.
Funding: Up to £10M
Eligibility: Growth-focused Scottish SMEs
Low Carbon Manufacturing Challenge
Funding for Scottish manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and develop sustainable production methods.
Funding: Up to £100,000
Eligibility: Scottish manufacturing businesses
Scottish EDGE Fund
Scotland's largest funding competition for early-stage entrepreneurs, offering grants and support for innovative business ideas.
Funding: Up to £150,000
Eligibility: Scottish entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses
Key Scottish Funding Programmes
The most popular grant programmes for Scottish businesses.
R&D Grant
Support for research and development projects
Up to 50% of eligible costs
Innovation Grant
Funding for innovative products, services, or processes
£5,000 - £50,000
RSA Scotland Grant
Regional Selective Assistance for job creation and capital investment
Negotiated based on project
CAN DO Innovation Challenge
Public sector challenges for innovative solutions
Up to £50,000
Scottish Enterprise Grants
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's national economic development agency, providing support to businesses with high growth potential. They offer grants, expert advice, and connections to help Scottish businesses scale.
How to qualify: Scottish Enterprise typically works with businesses that can demonstrate ambition for significant growth, whether through innovation, exports, or scaling operations.
- R&D and innovation grants up to 50% of eligible costs
- Export support and market development funding
- Capital investment grants for job creation
- Specialist advice and mentoring programmes
Business Gateway: Your First Stop
Business Gateway is delivered through Scotland's local authorities and provides free business advice and support. For many businesses, it's the gateway to accessing Scottish Enterprise support.
- Free business advice and workshops
- Local start-up and growth grants
- Referrals to Scottish Enterprise
- 32 local offices across Scotland
Regional Funding in Scotland
Different regions of Scotland have access to specific funding programmes.
Highlands & Islands
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) provides tailored support for businesses in this region, with a focus on community development and sustainable growth.
- • Community account managed support
- • Social enterprise funding
- • Rural business grants
South of Scotland
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) supports businesses in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway with regional development funding.
- • Business growth grants
- • Community wealth building
- • Place-based investments
Central Belt & Cities
Scottish Enterprise covers the central belt, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and surrounding areas with the full range of national programmes.
- • City region deals
- • Tech sector support
- • Export development
Scottish Grants: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about grants and business funding in Scotland.
Ready to Claim Your Share of £2.5 Billion?
Over 500 UK businesses have already secured their spot. Join the EchoGrant waitlist now — early members get priority access, exclusive onboarding support, and first access to new grant opportunities the moment we launch.
No credit card required. Early access benefits for waitlist members.