(See also Grants in England and Grants in Wales)
The Scottish Executive has overall responsibility for Scotland’s investment strategies.
 As part of its aim to foster long-term sustainable economic growth in Scotland, the Executive has a range of initiatives to encourage business start-ups and grow existing businesses. These include financial support and advice, both directly and via other delivery agents.
 Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s main economic development agency, funded by the Scottish Executive.
Business Gateway is the administrative body for small and medium-sized enterprises  (SMEs) in Scotland, providing support and financial assistance including grants and funding to start-ups and existing businesses.
There is a wide range of financial support, grants and funding available to Scottish businesses, some of which are detailed below:
Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry. It provides discretionary grants to investment projects that will create and safeguard employment in the Assisted Areas – areas designated for regional aid under European Community law. It is operated by the Scottish Executive’s RSA Scotland unit. Businesses of all sizes can apply for RSA, whether they are local or foreign-owned.
There is a system of streamlined process for applications up to £250,000 and support is available for projects that are low on capital expenditure but still create worthwhile jobs.
The Executive promotes a culture of enterprise, innovation and competitiveness in Scotland. A broad range of support is available through the Executive and other business development organisations in Scotland, some of which are detailed below.
SMART:Scotland, SPUR, SPUR PLUS and R&D programmes are all grant schemes targeted at promoting innovation. These programmes are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Two further Scottish Executive initiatives, SCORE and SEEKIT, are aimed at encouraging greater co-operation between SMEs and the Science Base.
In addition, the Scottish Executive is a key sponsor of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership can help business to develop and grow by accessing the wealth of knowledge and expertise in the UK’s universities, colleges and research organisations.
If you would like to learn more about these innovation-based grants, either call us on 08454 300 270 or email us at
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Other grants available in Scotland
Detailed below is a selection of other grants available to businesses in Scotland:
E-Business initiative
Financial support for companies to boost their business through developing a web site.
Business Development Grant
A discretionary grant providing up to 50% of the cost of expenditure of equipment for growth and modernisation.
Business Growth Grant
Grant assistance to support established businesses to expand.
Business Improvement Areas
Financial support available to manufacturing and services businesses for property improvement and consultancy costs.
Business Investment Grant
Grant assistance to support investment in regional areas by new or indigenous companies
Ethnic Minority Integrated Business Support (EMIBS)
Financial assistance is available to support new enterprise development in ethnic minority communities in Glasgow.
Investment Readiness Support Programme
Financial and advisory support up to £10k is available to companies in Scotland to improve the quality of investment propositions and increase their ability to secure equity investments.
Keep Going Grant
Financial assistance is available to new companies in order to help them achieve longer-term survival and growth potential.
Skills Development Grant
Financial assistance is available to help companies invest in training for their staff.
Small Business Assistance Grant
Financial assistance is available for capital expenditure projects that will stimulate business growth.
Women into Enterprise Grant
Financial assistance is available to women entrepreneurs seeking to start-up or develop a business operation in Glasgow.
Business Start-Up Grant
Grant assistance to help people start their own business.
Innovation Services Grant
Financial assistance and other services are available to support local businesses undertaking innovative work or projects.
If you are interested in any of the above grants or have questions about a topic not shown above, contact us on 08454 300 270 or email us at
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Confirmation of our fee structure on all grants available in Scotland is strictly on a “no win, no fee” basis at 10% of the value of the grant when successfully obtained.
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UK Regional Grants 
Tier 1 (administered by Highlands & Islands Enterprise) 
Tier 2 Aid Limits – 10%-35%* 
Tier 3 (SMEs only) Aid Limits – 7.5%-15%*